All Australian defender Michael Johnson could return against GWS on Sunday, but Stephen Hill will miss at least two more weeks.

Sports science manager Jason Weber said Hill, who was withdrawn from the team that played Melbourne in Darwin, sustained a quad injury during training last week.

“Stephen’s done a little nick to his quad at the end of training last week in some kicking,” Weber said.

“It’s something we want to be really careful with and make sure we get him up at the right time of year, so he’ll be a couple of weeks yet."

Johnson has been out since round 12 with a knee injury but is close to resuming.

“Michael is at the end stage of his rehab on his knee and hopefully we can get him up for match selection later in the week,” Weber said.

Another late withdrawal from the game against the Demons was captain Matthew Pavlich.

“’Pav’ was pretty crook, despite the temperature up there he had a temperature all of his own,” Weber said.

“We pushed as hard as we could on the morning of the game to see if he could get there and he just wasn’t up to it.

“He should be right this week, no problems. He was good on Tuesday morning and we look forward to having him back.”

Alex Silvagni has missed the past two games with injured ribs.

“Alex has sustained a little bit of damage,” Weber said.

“We’re waiting on some specialist feedback later this week and hopefully we can get him available.”

Young key position player Matt Taberner should also be available.

“Matt played through the AFL game the week before and unfortunately picked up a little injury through his hip and a small hamstring,” Weber said.

“He’s been a week out and he should be back this week without any issues.”

Meanwhile, Michael Walters’ recovery from ankle surgery remained on track.

“Michael is doing really well, he’s progressing along nicely and certainly approaching full volume,” Weber said.

“We’ve just got to get his speed and a few top end pieces up and he’ll be right to go.”