ELITE performance manager Dave Misson says key duo Jack Grimes (shoulder) and Mitch Clark (foot) are tracking strongly in their rehabilitation, after suffering respective injuries.

Misson said he was “really happy with the progress” of Grimes and Clark, who have been earmarked for a return after the mid-season break.

“Grimesy’s started running and he’s probably four or five sessions into his running program, so he’s going really well,” he said.

“From a running point of view, he’s going to be ready to go, but we need to wait six weeks until he’s allowed contact on his shoulder, so that’s another three weeks away. He’s going to be well prepared when he comes back, but we need to pay respect to the surgery that he had.

“Mitch is also going well and hasn’t started running yet, but he’s doing some good off legs training and would look to run either the end of this week or next week.”

First-year Demon Jack Viney (toe) has also been penciled in after the mid-season break.

“Jack’s still in a boot and will come out of the boot this week,” Misson said.

“He’s probably two to three [weeks] away, maybe an extra one, but we’re not going to be over cautious.

“We’re not going to be pushing Jack back too quickly, because it was a bone stress injury.” 

But another Demon to debut this year, Jimmy Toumpas, is a chance to play this weekend.

“Toump was touch and go to play last week actually,” Misson said.

“He rehabbed really well and he was really professional in his approach to rehab and he’s done some good running sessions early in the week.

“He’ll train tomorrow (Thursday) and we expect him to play.”

Defender Tom McDonald looms as another possibility to play this round.

“Tom’s been training really well and essentially he’s unrestricted now, from a shoulder point of view,” Misson said.

“He’ll train tomorrow and we’ll make a decision on him after training.”

Misson said speedster Sam Blease would be tested this week, after suffering concussion playing for Casey last weekend.

“He copped a knock during the game and he didn’t finish the game, but he’s done some concussion tests this week, which have been all clear, so he’s another one who will fully train tomorrow (Thursday) and we expect him to be available,” he said.