Brennan Cox could be just a week away from a return to football with Fremantle Dockers encouraged by his recovery from a serious hamstring tear.
Cox was one of three major casualties in Fremantle’s round one victory over Brisbane after tearing his hamstring with scans confirming surgery was requiredruling him out for the first half of the season.
However the 25-year-old could be back at Optus Stadium to face Gold Coast on June 23 with the club firming on his return to football.
“Coxy (Cox) has had a pretty significant hamstring tendon injury that we saw in round one,” Fremantle reconditioning coordinator James Grierson said.
“He’s tracking along really, really well for the size of that injury.
“He’s probably another week away (from a return to football) just to get through a little bit more football and strength training to make sure he is ready for the backend of the year.”
In his place, Josh Draper has held up admirably playing every game since his debut in round two but would likely be the first man out should Cox be fit unless they look at using him up forward.
However, with Luke Jackson playing as a third tall with Sean Darcy fit such a move would seem unlikely.
The Dockers have also confirmed a timeline for Nathan O’Driscoll who has endured a frustrating injury run since developing a blood clot in his knee in Freo’s pre-season clash with West Coast.
“Drissy (O’Driscoll) has just begun his on legs program after about four to five weeks off legs,” Grierson said.
“He will be another five to six weeks away while we build him up through footy.”
Matt Tabener could return to WAFL action after serving concussion protocols with Ethan Stanley and Ollie Murphy both tests heading into the weekend.