Midfielder Sam Durham is on track to rejoin the Bombers for their round five encounter against the Bulldogs on Friday night. Despite being sidelined for the Bombers’ previous Gather Round match due to concussion protocols, Durham has made significant progress in his recovery from the head injury sustained in round three. Strong performances in training this week indicate that he is likely to be available for selection.
In positive developments, Dylan Shiel and Tex Wanganeen are both slated to make their return through the VFL this weekend, provided they complete a full week of training. Shiel has successfully overcome the oblique strain that kept him out of action for the past two weeks, while Wanganeen is poised to make his competitive comeback after undergoing foot surgery during the off-season.
However, Archie Perkins is set to miss the next three weeks after straining his hamstring during the third quarter of the Bombers’ recent loss to the Power.
Midfielder Will Setterfield is facing another spell on the sidelines after aggravating the knee injury he sustained in round two against Sydney. Following a knock to the same area during the recent loss to Port Adelaide, Setterfield is expected to miss at least the next two matches.
Additionally, defender Jordan Ridley is set to endure another 4-6 weeks out of action after exacerbating his existing quad injury during rehabilitation. General Manager of Football, Daniel McPherson, expressed disappointment at Ridley’s setback and emphasized the need for a cautious approach to his recovery given his injury history.
Meanwhile, Matt Guelfi continues to make steady progress in his recovery from a calf strain and appears to be a couple of weeks away from making a return to the field.
