Despite making positive progress in his recovery from glandular fever, youngster Isaac Heeney has been ruled out of the Club’s Round 2 clash against the Western Bulldogs.

Heeney will continue to increase his training load across the weekend to eventually reintegrate back into the group on a modified program as a way to manage the illness.

Coach John Longmire confirmed ahead of training on Thursday the young star was set to miss at least the next two matches.

"I just spoke to Isaac as I came out onto the ground and he is feeling really good which is fantastic."

"We are still taking it slowly with his preparation.

"He is starting to do a bit more training on the weekend and hopefully a bit more if he responds to that training really well."

"We are not going to push him, it is very much baby steps at the moment but he is starting to up the ante with his training which is a good sign."

Heeney will be in the stands watching on as his teammates take to the field for the season opener against Port Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.