Returning defender Jake Carlisle is closing in on a long-awaited return to senior football after undergoing back surgery earlier in the year.

The star backman enjoyed a successful hit-out on the weekend, playing out the entire VFL game (15 disposals, seven marks) in what was his first appearance since the operation.

Young gun Jack Steele, who dislocated his kneecap in a training incident last week, is unlikely to be available for selection for two-to-three weeks.

But the bullish midfielder was already back running at RSEA Park yesterday and is likely to return to training next week.

Max King will also spend a few weeks on the sidelines nursing a syndesmosis injury to his right ankle.

Workhorse Brandon White suffered a corked thigh against Gold Coast, and he’ll need to get through the main training session on Thursday to put his hand up for selection.

Budding wingman Ed Phillips is recovering well from a hamstring issue, while experienced defender Jimmy Webster’s hand complaint is still on the mend.

Meanwhile, dynamic forward Jack Lonie continues to progress in his return from knee surgery, with a possible return date now just two-to-three weeks away.

Name

Injury

Weeks to go

Brandon White

Thigh

Test

Ed Phillips

Hamstring

1-2

Jimmy Webster

Hand

1-2

Jack Lonie

Knee

2-3

Jack Steele

Knee

2-3

Jarryn Geary

Leg

8-10

Billy Longer

Concussion

TBC

Max King

Ankle

TBC

Lewis Pierce

Concussion

TBC

Logan Austin

Shoulder

Indefinite

Jack Steven

Mental Health

Indefinite

Paddy McCartin

Concussion

Season

Jack Bytel

Back

Season

Dylan Roberton

Heart

Season