Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe and ruck/forward Rory Lobb both face fitness tests for Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

General manager of football Peter Bell said that Fyfe has recovered well from his brief stint in hospital due to an elbow infection.

“Nat picked up that elbow infection last week and missed the game against Sydney on the weekend,” Bell said.

“We’ve been really pleased with the way that he’s progressing and he’ll be a test later this week.

“We’re very hopeful and quite confident that he’ll be available to play against the Western Bulldogs.”

Bell said that Lobb was doing well after injuring his left shoulder late in the game against Sydney.

“It was a really courageous effort from Rory to play out the game under some duress,” Bell said.

“We haven’t ruled him out this week. He’ll have a test later in the week on his shoulder, but he’s improved.”

There is no timeframe on the return of midfielder Stephen Hill, who was withdrawn last Friday from the Fremantle lineup to face Sydney.

“Stephen has a quad strain which is disappointing, so we’ll build him back up slow and steady,” Bell said.

“Hopefully, we’ll see him back out and joining the main group (in training) soon.”

Bell said that forward Jesse Hogan was recovering well from surgery on his foot to treat a navicular injury.

“Jesse went through surgery (on Monday in Melbourne), he’s currently in hospital and he’ll remain there for another night before coming back to WA,” Bell said.

“The surgeon is very happy with the way the surgery went.

“Once he’s recovered we’ll get him into the club, review the procedure that he’s been through and begin a rehabilitation program.

“We’re in no hurry with Jesse clearly no chance to be playing any more football this season.”

Bell said that forward Brennan Cox had a setback with his hip injury while Scott Jones was a test to return to football.

“Unfortunately, Brennan had a minor setback which has pushed his return date out by at least a week,” Bell said.

“We’ll continue to build Brennan but it’s disappointing with that minor setback.

“Scott has progressed really well through the calf strain and he’ll be a test to play.

“Peel have a bye this weekend but we’ll see if Scott is available for selection and make a decision from there.”

Player Injury Estimated duration Nat Fyfe Elbow Test Scott Jones Calf Test Rory Lobb Shoulder Test Brennan Cox Hip 3 weeks Shane Kersten Foot TBA Stephen Hill Quad TBA Jesse Hogan Foot Season Lloyd Meek Foot Season Matt Taberner Foot Season Alex Pearce Ankle Season Stefan Giro Knee Season



