There’s good news for Fremantle’s forwards in this week’s Envision Medical Imaging injury update with Michael Walters likely to make his AFL return this week and Rory Lobb progressing ahead of schedule.

Both Walters (hamstring) and Lobb (knee) picked up their injuries in Fremantle’s AAMI Community Series game against West Coast in March.

General manager of football and performance Joe Brierty said Walters only needs to get through Thursday’s main training session to be made available for Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

“Sonny had a full match sim on the weekend,” Brierty said.

“He needs to get through main training this week, but we’re excited that he (should be) available for selection.”

Lobb’s reduced timeframe of three to four weeks could see him available in round six when Fremantle take on North Melbourne, or in round seven in the RAC Derby.

“Rory’s going really well and is ahead of schedule,” Brierty said.

“He’s coming out of his brace today which is fantastic.

“The plan is for him to be introduced to running on the ‘Alter G’ later this week and at this point in time, we’re planning for a return to football in three to four weeks.”

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Brierty said Fremantle were in no rush to bring back Nat Fyfe after the captain was ruled out to play against Carlton under the AFL’s new 12-day concussion protocols.

“Nat’s progressing but clearly there’s the AFL return to play protocol with concussion and Nat’s wellbeing and care is first and foremost our biggest priority,” Brierty said.

“We’re monitoring him closely over the coming days and we’ll know more later this week.

“He’ll be unavailable this weekend and we’ll wait and see how he’s going for next weekend’s game.”

Brierty confirmed emerging forward Sam Sturt would make his return from an ankle injury for Peel in round one against South Fremantle on Good Friday at David Grays Arena.

“It’s fantastic for Sam. He’s had a long period in the reconditioning group with the injury that he suffered last year,” Brierty said.

“At this point in time, we plan for Sam to be available for selection, more than likely in the WAFL.”

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INJURY LIST
Michael Walters (hamstring) – Test
Tobe Watson (hamstring) – Test
Liam Henry (calf) – Test
Griffin Logue (hamstring) – 1 week
Bailey Banfield (ankle) – 2 weeks
Mitch Crowden (calf) – 2-3 weeks
Darcy Tucker (hamstring) – 3 weeks
Rory Lobb (knee) – 3-4 weeks
Joel Hamling (ankle) – 3-5 weeks
Brett Bewley (groin) – 4 weeks
Alex Pearce (knee) – 5-7 weeks
Nat Fyfe (concussion) – TBA
Stephen Hill (hamstring) - TBA

Gallery: Freo's non-selected and reconditioning players in action
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