Four Bombers are set to be made newly available for selection this week ahead of Friday’s Kick for the Kids game against North Melbourne.
Star forward Joe Daniher leads the quartet having overcome a minor calf injury that delayed his long-awaited return.
Club physical performance manager Justin Crow said no previous injuries have resurfaced throughout his latest rehabilitation and he confirmed Daniher will be fully fit to either take the field in the AFL at Marvel Stadium or the VFL at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.
“Joe’s completed his calf rehabilitation. His groins and his back have been good over the last few weeks, so he’s available to play,” Crow said in the SKINS Injury Update on Tuesday.
“The next step is in our match committee’s hands about the best way to take him forward.”
Young Bombers Jayden Laverde and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher suffered similar ankle injuries in the VFL side’s practice match of the pre-season three weeks ago, but both are expected to return this weekend.
“Both Jayden and Brandon have had good rehabilitations from their ankle sprains with the VFL bye last week,” Crow said.
“Both of those players trained well today and will be available for selection this week.”
Jake Long rounds out the likely returnees after training well and proving he has overcome the minor shoulder injury that has kept him on the sidelines since the same pre-season game.
Jake Long is ready to return this weekend.
Crow said experienced midfielder David Myers, although sporting visual evidence of a nasty kick to the face suffered against Brisbane, will be fine to take on the Kangaroos, while fellow on-baller David Zaharakis will be tested this week after sustaining a cut to the knee.
“We had a couple of lacerations out of the game, both needing stitching.
“Dave Myers has three stud marks across his face, but he is okay.
“David (Zaharakis) had quite a deep cut into his knee, which we’ll be monitoring through this week.”
David Myers suffered a nasty injury against the Lions last week.
Key forward James Stewart still has boxes to tick as he rehabilitates a minor groin strain, but Crow is hopeful he can be back available soon.
“James has been a little bit slow early, we’ll run him once he’s completely symptom-free and we’re hoping to do that later this week.”
With just Shaun McKernan and Kobe Mutch joining Stewart on the sidelines, Crow said the club is pleased with the overall availability of the squad ahead of a busy schedule in the next three weeks.
“We think we’re able to put a good, fit team on the park,” he said.
“We’ve got the two six-day breaks coming up, so we’re working hard on our recovery to make sure we put in a good effort for both of those. “
The first bounce of the Kick for the Kids game is set for 4:20pm on Friday.
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