Western Bulldogs ruck/forward Tom Boyd could be back in full training within a month as he continues his return from a back injury.

Boyd has been hampered by a back complaint throughout the pre-season, but is on track to reintegrate into the main group soon, and could be available to play within 5-7 weeks.

“Tom has continued to progress really well with his long-term back injury.  He is tolerating our progressions really well,” Bulldogs’ Medical Services Manager Chris Bell said.

“If he continues on his current track, he will be looking to return into full football training in the next month.”

Defender Jason Johannisen is on track to return to the field in the early rounds of the season, while mature-aged first-year forward Ben Cavarra could return within two weeks from a quad injury.

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In pleasing news for Dogs fans, midfielder Bailey Dale has returned to the main training group following an ankle injury and is close to being available.

“Bailey has ticked our final rehab boxes following his ankle injury.  He has returned into full training this week,” Bell said.

“We will look to complete a full game like training session this weekend ahead of returning him to availability next week.”

As revealed earlier this week, veteran defender Dale Morris has avoided surgery after suffering a high-grade injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“Dale is an incredibly diligent and professional athlete, so we will put a comprehensive rehab program around him to do everything we can to get him back to playing AFL footy this season,” Bell said.

* Injury list updated on Tuesday 19 March, 2019