VETERAN defender Dan Merrett is set to return for his first game since Round 1 in the NEAFL this weekend.

Merrett was injured at training following the opening round loss to Collingwood with a hamstring complication that has kept him sidelined for almost three months.

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High Performance Manager Brett Burton confirmed in the Bupa Report today Merrett’s return.

“It’s great to have Dan back.”

“He’s been out for a significant period of time so will more than likely go back through the reserves and will progress from there.”

Nick Robertson is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a grade two AC Strain.

“It’s good news with Robbo, I guess we all feared the worse in the start when he came off with that shoulder.

“He was obviously in a fair bit of pain. He’s got a grade 2 AC (strain) and a lot of bruising around the collarbone and shoulder. Just that to settle down and hopefully in two or three weeks he’ll be back out there.

The Bupa Support Team will monitor midfielder Dayne Beams’ shoulder after he sustained a late knock against the Western Bulldogs.

“Beamsy he copped a hit to the shoulder, we’ve assessed that and we’ll just see how the week goes.

“He’s in a little bit of doubt for this week, we’ll see how he goes and make a call from there.”

Burton said Brent Staker, Ryan Harwood and Darcy Gardiner got through their first match back in the NEAFL after injury unscathed.

“Staker was back, obviously his first game in a long period of time. He got through half a game, we’ll look to give him some more game time this week.

“Ryan Harwood got through no worries at all and Darcy Gardiner as well off the back of that calf.”

While midfielder James Aish has been listed as a test and may be in line for selection against the Crows.

“Aishy has been out for four weeks with that jaw so as long as he gets through main training he’ll be available to play.”



See the full injury list at the BUPA HEALTH CENTRE