Sydney Swans champion Jarrad McVeigh looks set to make his long-awaited return to football, but at what level the former skipper will feature is still up for discussion.
Speaking in this week’s HCF Injury Update, Head of Football Tom Harley confirmed the 32-year-old was available for selection after recovering from a calf complaint which has sidelined him so far this season.
McVeigh hasn’t played since last year’s Grand Final and looked ready two weeks ago, but pulled up sore after the final training session ahead of Sydney Derby XII which ultimately ruled him out.
Barring another setback, Harley said fans will see the veteran again in some capacity on Sunday, either the NEAFL curtain-raiser or the Swans’ Round 7 clash with Brisbane.
“That would be nice – if Macca gets up and plays this week,” he said.
“He’s had a significant block of training now, he’s been close for the past couple of weeks.
“We’ve got a final training session on the Friday then the game on Sunday so there’s plenty of time for Macca to press his case.
“He’ll play this week – he’s available – with regards to where he plays it will obviously be determined later in the week.
“It’ll be great to have him back as he’s such an integral part of the team.”
Friday morning’s training session will also be used to either underline and strike a line through Kurt Tippett (hip), Harry Marsh (hamstring) and Gary Rohan (concussion) ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Lions.
Marsh was replaced in last week’s senior side after tweaking his hamstring during Thursday’s training, while Tippett was a late withdrawal after hurting his hip in similar circumstances.
Rohan, cleared of any serious damage after landing awkwardly in a marking contest against Carlton, will be “unlikely” to take on the Lions but, like his cohorts, will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.
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