Veteran midfielder Stephen Hill has been given the green light to progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury after making his return to football at the weekend.

Hill last ran out for Fremantle in round 18 of the 2020 season, where he played 12 of a possible 18 games.

In the Envision Medical Imaging injury update, executive general manager of football operations Peter Bell said Hill played limited minutes for the Peel Thunder reserves.

“We’re pleased to report he’s pulled up well and got through his minutes for Peel reserves on the weekend,” Bell said.

“Obviously we’ll look to graduate him to league this week and some extended running and high-speed run parameters.”

Key forward Matt Taberner is one to two weeks away with a calf injury, with his earliest possible return being Freo’s clash with Sydney in round 19.

“He’s going well, we’re hopeful that he’ll be available for Sydney but we have a bit to tick off before we get to that stage,” Bell said.

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Bell said forward/midfielder Brett Bewley was looking to return to WA this week after X-rays revealed a small pneumothorax following Freo’s clash with Carlton in round 16.

“Brett’s been cleared to fly back from the specialist on Thursday and we’ll make an assessment as to when his return to play will be,” Bell said.

First-year player Nathan O’Driscoll is still a chance to play for Peel against Claremont on Sunday despite a minor lower leg injury.

“(Nathan has) some damage to the plantaris tendon, which is located in the lower limb. He’ll be a test for this week,” Bell said. 

INJURY LIST ROUND 18
Nathan O’Driscoll (calf) – Test
Matt Taberner (calf) – 1-2 weeks
Brett Bewley (ribs) – 3 weeks
Michael Frederick (ankle) – 5-6 weeks
Joel Hamling (ankle) – Season
Sam Sturt (knee) – Season
Heath Chapman (shoulder) – Season
Brennan Cox (hamstring) - Season

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