Key defender Ryan Gardner is nearing a return to availability following a foot injury which has prevented him from playing the season so far.

“Ryan has been in our rehab group across the last few weeks after suffering some foot soreness related to bone stress,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“After having some time off his legs, and then gradually building his running back up, Ryan has now developed some continuity in his football training.

“If Ryan gets through main training like I expect, he will return to availability this weekend."

Bailey Smith will tick off a significant milestone in his ACL rehab when he runs on the AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill this week.

Smith underwent ACL reconstruction surgery late last year after an incident at training.

The treadmill, designed with unweighting technology, reduces the impact of running or walking, allowing those recovering from surgery to exercise without pain.

“Bailey has continued to be incredibly dedicated to his rehabilitation and has continued to progress as well as we could have hoped,” Bell said.

“When you’re in long term rehab – it’s important that you celebrate the small milestones.

“Bailey will hit one of these small milestones by doing his first running session on our Alter-Gravity treadmill on Wednesday.”

In other news, first-year Bulldog Lachie Smith has suffered a minor setback.

“With the VFL bye on the weekend, our non-selected players completed a game-like training session – during this, Lachie slipped during a rapid change of direction and over-stretched the back of his right knee," Bell said.

“Although he is sore and swollen, scans have cleared him of serious structural damage.

“We will confirm his return to play timeline across this week as his acute symptoms improve.”

Injury List

Ryan Gardner (foot) – test

Lachie Smith (knee) – 2-3 weeks

Nick Coffield (shoulder) – 10-12 weeks

Aiden O’Driscoll (concussion) – indefinite

Bailey Smith (ACL) – season