Fremantle will face a tough task against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, with a number of their senior players likely to return.

After varying stints on the sideline, up to six senior players will return from injury and be made available for selection in both the VFL and AFL sides this weekend.

Matthew Boyd, Mitch Wallis and Lin Jong will all be subject to a fitness test later in the week, but General Manager of Football Graham Lowe seemed positive that with a further eight day break they could return against Fremantle on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s great to have those players of that calibre presenting back after injury.

“They’re all progressing well so our aim for them would be to take part in the appropriate training this week, with a view to testing and putting themselves in the position for selection this week.”

Sam Darley who has spent the early parts of the season with Footscray will also be available for selection after recovering well from a hamstring injury.

“It’s exciting again to have Sam back and have him available, so he’s put himself in a position to get back into the field of play as well, so he’s progressed well from his hamstring and he’s looking good to go.”

Two first year players will also return to full training this week after recovering from surgery.

Zaine Cordy will return after a shoulder reconstruction halted his pre-season and looks set to play his first match for the Club through the VFL, while Caleb Daniel should also return after a knee injury interrupted his start to the season.

“Zaine’s made some great progress with his rehab, he’s been back into full contact training, we’ve built up his load so it’s exciting to have a young player like that making himself available for this weekend.

“Caleb obviously was someone that we saw during the NAB Cup and he showed some exciting footy and it’s going to be great after his knee surgery to have him back out on the track and looking forward to getting him involved again.”

Aside from Clay Smith, Koby Stevens was the only injury concern from the Bulldogs’ loss to St Kilda, but Lowe said Stevens would likely be available for selection this weekend.

“Apart from Clay, Koby was the only injury that came out of the weekend at this point.

“Koby suffered a corked glute during the game from a heavy impact, we’re certainly progressing him through the appropriate ways this week to get him back into training, with a view to being available this weekend.”