MELBOURNE’S Clayton Oliver, Harrison Petty and Jake Bowey are all eyeing returns this week, as the Demons prepare to face Geelong on Thursday night.
Oliver, who had sustained an infection resulting in a short hospital stint, returned to training this week, with a number of checkpoints to still hit ahead of the Round 15 game.
“Clayton’s still recovering from that infection and hospital stay,” Lallenec told Melbourne Media.
“He’s doing really well; he’s integrated back into training over this week.
“He still does have a few more things to tick off to be available for Thursday night but he’s heading in the right direction.”
After sustaining a foot injury during Round 9, Petty is back training with the main group and will also look to get through Wednesday’s captain’s run before selection chances on Thursday.
“Harrison has had a really great recovery, he fully trained today without any issues,” Lallenec said.
“And it’s looking very positive to be available for this week’s game.”
Bowey, who has been sidelined under the AFL’s concussion protocols following a head knock during Round 12, will make a return to play this week.
“He’s done all the required tests and has fully recovered,” Lallenec said.
“He will be available and will look to play this week.”
In other positive news, tall forward Tom McDonald is taking positive steps forward in his recovery from ankle surgery.
“He’s nearly three weeks post-operation and he’s looking really good with the swelling having come down,” Lallenec said.
“He did an Alter-G run today, which is an altered gravity run, so it’s a treadmill that takes some of your weight and he did that really successfully.
“So, hopefully he’ll look to integrate running in the next week or so.”
Check out the full injury list below.