Lachie Neale will need to get through training this week if he is to make his return against Essendon on Sunday, according to high performance manager Jason Weber.
Neale missed Fremantle’s clash with Richmond on Sunday with a minor knee injury, his first game on the sidelines since round two of the 2014 season.
Weber says the midfielder is a strong chance to be available for selection for Fremantle’s final home and away game of 2017.
“Lachie came in on Monday and checked in with medical and had a good run,” Weber said.
“We’re going to progress him through the week and we’re very hopeful of getting him towards a game this weekend.
Weber said Shane Kersten was in a similar situation after the forward was withdrawn from Fremantle’s squad on Friday morning with a groin injury.
“Shane’s not dissimilar to Lachie, he was in earlier in the week and he had a good run,” Weber said.
"We’ll progress him tomorrow morning and on into team training later in the week.”
According to Weber, Harley Bennell has recovered well from his return to football.
On his Fremantle debut, Bennell kicked two goals in his first AFL game in 722 days after an extended period out of the game due to multiple calf injuries.
“For Harley’s first game back, it was a tough outing for him,” Weber said.
“He’s pulled up really well. Obviously, there are a few bumps and bruises, but we’ll get him going through his program this week.”
