LONG-kicking defender Luke Tapscott is an outside chance to return this Friday night against the Western Bulldogs, but is more likely to resume via the VFL.

If he returns for Casey, he will play against Werribee Tigers at Avalon Airport Oval (Chirnside Park) this Saturday.

Tapscott has missed the past five matches with a hamstring injury. But coach Dean Bailey said the eight-gamer was simply itching to return to football this weekend.  

“Tappy has taken a bit longer with his hamstring. He’s 50/50 to come back this week. He’s been out for four or five weeks now with a hamstring, so he’s more likely to play at Casey,” he said.

“When he was playing with us, he was a really good kick off half-back and he was starting to show some outstanding signs for us.

“He won’t be out of the team for too much longer, but we’ll see how he goes this week. He trained very, very well last week. I know he’s keen to get back in though.”

Bailey said defender Joel Macdonald, who was subbed out of Saturday’s win against Richmond in the second half with a knee injury, could still play against the Dogs.

“[The knee’s] a little bit swollen today, but knowing Joel, in the next 48 hours he should be OK,” he said.

“He got a bit of swelling after the game, but there was no knock during the game, so hopefully he should be OK.”