Defender Jordan Ridley has suffered a setback in his preparation for the season, with scans confirming a minor hamstring strain.

The 26-year-old felt some discomfort at training last week and the follow-up scan confirmed he won’t be available for the Club's first practice match against the Western Bulldogs on February 15.

Jye Caldwell is now reintegrating into competitive, full-ground training as the Dons approach their mentioned February slate of practice games.

The midfielder underwent hip surgery last August and has gradually increased his loads over the course of this pre-season, now joining in for parts of match simulation and full-contact drills as he continues to build towards the start of the season.

Ben McKay is beginning to increase his training loads as the season nears, following a small cleanout to a niggling ankle injury on the verge of the Christmas break.

The key defender has been running since the Club returned for the New Year and will gradually integrate into football-related drills as he eyes a return to full training in the coming weeks.

Harry Jones left Friday’s match simulation in a precautionary boot from a rolled ankle late in the session, but at this stage is expected to return to full training after the Bombers’ mini-break over this long weekend.

Alwyn Davey underwent an arthroscope late last week to repair a torn meniscus. He will return to running in 3-4 weeks, while Nik Cox is slowly increasing his loads after a concussion just prior to the Christmas break.

Youngster Archer Day-Wicks is currently off-legs while he overcomes a toe complaint, fellow draftee Zak Johnson remains non-contact following post-season shoulder surgery last year, and Category B Rookie Jayden Nyugen continues to recover from pre-Christmas meniscus surgery.