The Club is confident Stokes’ return will be one of many over the next few rounds, with Captain Sam Mitchell only just missing out on selection this week with hamstring tightness.
Youngsters Sam Grimley and Riley Milne, and midfielder Travis Tuck are expected to resume full training in a week’s time, while the Club also anticipates the return of new recruit Rhan Hooper, who should be available for selection next week after straining his hamstring minutes into the Round 2 clash against Geelong.
Utility Wayde Skipper is 2-3 weeks away with an injured hamstring tendon and will provide Brent Renouf some support upon his return. Shaun Burgoyne is able to complete a full training load while his fractured jaw mends and is also expected to play in approximately 2-3 weeks, while Luke Lowden, who has been experiencing some groin soreness, is 4-5 weeks away.
Josh Gibson is recovering well from hamstring surgery and, barring any setbacks, should return to the side in approximately 9-10 weeks.
Experienced ruckman Simon Taylor will consult his surgeon next week and should begin running again soon while Max Bailey is working hard in the gym and on the track to hopefully play a part in the second half of the season.
