DEFENDER Colin Garland is a good chance to return for Saturday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at Skoda Stadium, after being sidelined last week with an ankle injury.

Garland missed his first match of the season last round – Melbourne’s 122-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium – but elite performance manager Dave Misson was confident the in-form leader will play. 

“He missed last week, but he’s trained really well this week, but to be honest, we expect him to play and expect him to be right,” he told melbourefc.com.au.

But Misson said another backman, James Frawley (hamstring), will be hoping to return in the penultimate or final home and away round of the season.

“Unfortunately he strained that hamstring that he had a bit of trouble with a few weeks ago,” he said.

“Again, he’s pulled up pretty well and the scans look quite good, but I think we’ve got to give it a little bit more time, so he’ll be at least three [weeks], maybe four.”

The Demons could have five listed played return via the VFL this weekend: utility Rohan Bail (knee), veteran David Rodan (hamstring), defender Joel Macdonald (groin), tall Tom Gillies (ill) and rookie Nathan Stark (groin).

“They’ve all rehabbed really well, so we expect them to play,” Misson said.

Midfielder Michael Evans and ruckman Mark Jamar, who both have foot injuries, plus ball-winner Tom Couch (hamstring), are three weeks away. 

“They’re still working through their rehab well and we’re hoping [they’ll be] two to three weeks for those players,” Misson said.