Matt Taberner could make his return to football as early as this weekend, according to high performance manager Jason Weber.
While the 25-year-old would be more likely to make his return via the WAFL to build up his match fitness, the key forward remains likely to return to action for the first time since sustaining the foot injury in round five against the Western Bulldogs.
“Matt’s progressing well in his football loading, he’s doing very well and he trained strongly in T2 (the main training session) last week,” Weber said.
“We’ll get him through football training this week and, hopefully, at the end of that we’ll be able to put him to match committee for selection.”
Be there to see Freo take on the Hawks! Buy your tickets here
Weber provided an update on ruckman Sean Darcy, who was a late withdrawal against Essendon on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
Darcy sustained a minor groin injury late in round 17 against Port Adelaide and was given every chance to play against the Bombers, according to Weber.
“Sean had that small groin injury the week before,” Weber said.
“We took him right to the wire in the warm-up to try and see if we could get him up, but it wasn’t quite right.
“Again, he’ll train this week and be a test.”
Darcy and Taberner are two of six Fremantle players who face fitness tests this weekend, with Aaron Sandilands (calf), Stephen Hill (quad), Hayden Ballantyne (ankle) and Andrew Brayshaw (groin) all a chance to return.
It means Fremantle could have a number of inclusions when taking on Hawthorn this Sunday at Optus Stadium.
“We’ve got a few looking to come back with Aaron, Hayden, Andrew and Stephen all progressing well over the weekend and, hopefully, being available for selection,” Weber said.
Nat Fyfe’s return from a hamstring injury is listed as three weeks away and Weber credited the star midfielder’s work ethic in the rehabilitation group.
“Nat’s progressing well,” Weber said.
“His strength is coming right up. He’s beginning to get some momentum with his run.
“He’ll continue to progress this week and he’s doing a fantastic job.”
Weber confirmed that Griffin Logue will undergo surgery on his left foot to treat a congenital issue with a metatarsal – meaning the defender will be out for the remainder of the season.
The foot injury curtailed the first half of Logue’s season and the surgery is not related to his recent ankle injury, which was sustained to his right leg.
“Griffin’s foot really hasn’t progressed as we’d have hoped,” Weber said.
“He’s going to move to surgery and, hopefully, we’ll get him available for a really strong pre-season and get him ready for next year.”
