James Aish and Heath Chapman have important weeks ahead at training as they look to make their returns from injury, according to High Performance Manager Phil Merriman.
In the Perth Radiological Clinic injury update for round 16, Merriman said Aish was a chance to play against the Western Bulldogs should he recover in time from a back injury.
Aish last played against Richmond in round 13, where he sustained a concussion. The midfielder has progressed through the concussion protocols and missed Fremantle’s clash with Essendon due to the back injury.
“James has bounced out of the weekend,” Merriman said.
“The plan will be for him to train fully and prepare to play.”
Heath Chapman could return to the football field as early as this weekend as the defender looks to build his match fitness on the way back from a hamstring injury.
“We’re managing Heath’s minutes quite strictly this weekend in his build towards playing AFL footy again,” Merriman said.
Sean Darcy and Michael Frederick both got through their returns from injury against Essendon.
Alex Pearce and Matthew Johnson have been given the all clear after Pearce was subbed off in the final quarter against Essendon, while Johnson appeared sore when he came off late in the game.
“Darcy and Frederick both got through really well and obviously performed well on the night,” Merriman said.
“Alex has just been a little bit sore after the past few weeks, so we saw it as a good chance to manage his loads.
“Matty Johnson just got another cork, he’ll be fine to go.”
INJURY LIST
James Aish (back) – Test
Heath Chapman (hamstring) – Test
Matt Taberner (back) – TBA
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