Daniel Menzel is nearing a return to senior football as he increases his training loads in recovery from a groin injury suffered in the pre-season.

The 27-year-old forward is yet to play a game in the red and white since joining the Club as a free agent in the off-season.

Head of Football Charlie Gardiner said the return of Menzel to the field was imminent.

“Dan is recovering from a groin injury that he picked up about a month ago,” Gardiner said.

“He is getting very close to a return to playing, we think he is about a week away, he will do some heavy training in the next week.

“He will most likely make a return through the NEAFL side.”

Isaac Heeney is expected to be fit to take on Richmond on Saturday night despite leaving the field with a hip injury in last week’s loss to Melbourne.

“Isaac took a pretty heavy knock to his hip on Thursday night and was pretty ginger just after it,” Gardiner said.

“He was able to run out the game which was a good sign, he pulled up a little bit sore after the game and is being worked on by our medical team.

“He will likely train on Thursday and we hope that he will come up to play for Saturday’s game.”

Will Hayward (jaw) and Jarrad McVeigh were back amongst teammates watching training on Tuesday after suffering injuries against Carlton a fortnight ago.

Gardiner said the prognosis for Hayward was looking positive.

“Will Hayward had surgery a week ago now on his jaw about a week ago now and the surgery went really well,” he said. 

“He is recovering excellently, and we expect he will be available next month to resume playing and we look forward to having him back out there as soon as possible.”