Nat Fyfe is a test to return to football this weekend, according to high performance manager Phil Merriman.
In what capacity is still yet to be decided, but Fyfe could be slated for minutes at Fremantle or Peel if he successfully gets through his training load this week.
Merriman gave an update on Fyfe in the round eight Perth Radiological Clinic injury update, after the dual Brownlow medallist completed another solid session over the weekend.
“Nat’s foot pulled up really well from a step up on the weekend,” Merriman said.
“He will be main training this week, with a plan for him to play football this weekend.”
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Meanwhile, it’s unfortunate news for defender Heath Chapman who is set for an extended sideline stint with a hamstring injury, after initially being on the cusp of a return from a calf complaint.
“Unfortunately for Chappy, at the back end of last week’s training session he had an incident and it ended up being a moderate to high-grade hamstring injury,” Merriman said.
“He will be out for an extended period of time, but be sure that Chappy will be ticking every box along the way.”
Forward/winger Michael Frederick could also put his hand up for selection against Hawthorn on Saturday night, after bouncing back quickly from an adductor issue to be listed as a test.
“He has come along really well, probably a little bit quicker than expected,” Merriman said.
“He will train on Wednesday and be a test to play.”
Liam Henry and Max Knobel have ticked the boxes of their concussion protocols and will put their hand up for selection this week, while it’s promising news for Travis Colyer who is one week away from football following a calf injury.
“Liam and Max moved through the protocols really well, we plan for them to play this weekend,” Merriman said.
“We are really excited to get Trav back, he will get through the next week of training, and we’ll plan for him to play in one week’s time.”
ROUND 8 INJURY LIST:
Nat Fyfe (foot) – Test
Michael Frederick (adductor) – Test
Liam Henry (concussion) – Test
Max Knobel (concussion) – Test
Travis Colyer (calf) – 1 week
Heath Chapman (hamstring) – TBA
Matt Taberner (back) - TBA
