WEST Coast forward Mark LeCras remains one training session away from getting a green light to return for Sunday's blockbuster with Collingwood at the MCG.
Just two weeks after surgery on his troublesome wrist, the 31-year-old must tick off Thursday's hitout as the Eagles consider bringing back their three leading goalkickers this season.
Jack Darling is closing in on a return from his round 11 ankle setback, while Josh Kennedy is in the frame after missing three matches with a leg injury.
LeCras admits he rolled the dice in his preparation for the Pies, which could result in an earlier than expected return.
"It's starting to feel a little bit better, I tested it out early in the week. I probably wasn't meant to test it out for a few more days but I was feeling all right," LeCras told 6PR on Wednesday.
"(I'm) probably a little bit ahead of schedule in the sense that I'll be jumping into training tomorrow (Thursday) – it's all been ticked off by the surgeons.
"I get through training tomorrow no worries, I'll be putting my hand up to hopefully play this weekend."
LeCras has had a history of arm injuries, breaking his forearm twice in 2013-2014, but says his latest concern is lower down the arm.
Having played with a brace in previous seasons, the forward expects to wear one should he be cleared to face the Pies.
"There is a bit of added risk that I could damage it a bit more," he said.
"It's going to be pretty heavily strapped, I'll have a guard that I'll hopefully get approved by the AFL that I can wear to tighten everything up so that if it does get a hit, it'll be no issues."
As well as the three star forwards, the Eagles are also hoping to welcome back defender Tom Barrass from a back complaint.
"I think Jack (Darling) is looking fairly likely," LeCras said.
"I'm not sure about where JK's (Kennedy) at, I think he's in a similar boat to me where if he gets through training and pulls up good, he'll be pressing his case.
"TB (Barrass) was running around earlier in the week, hopefully he's available and we could use he and 'Gov' (Jeremy McGovern) down back firing again."
The Eagles will train at their purpose-sized MCG equivalent oval at Lathlain Park on Thursday in an attempt to turn around their poor form at the home of football.
In their past seven outings at the MCG, the Eagles have won two matches, including their only encounter at the venue this season against Carlton.
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