McLeod’s quest to play 350 games was halted - if not ended - last month when he developed swelling in his troublesome knee.
The 33-year-old was booked in for arthroscopic surgery which revealed more damage than initially expected and prompted the club to release a statement saying he would be sidelined indefinitely.
The dual Norm Smith Medallist vowed to return to the field before the end of the season and barring any setbacks appears on track to play this month.
He’s unlikely to play this weekend, but could be a chance to line up against Geelong at AAMI Stadium next Friday night.
Nathan Bock and utility James Sellar also got through training on Tuesday morning and full-back Ben Rutten said Bock would be a handy player to have against the tall West Coast forward line this weekend.
“Bocky got through training pretty well, so we’ll have to wait and see how he pulls up and we’ve got another session on Thursday. He’s obviously a good player and it’d be great to have him back,” Rutten said.
There was also some positive news for injured midfielder David Mackay, who is a week ahead of schedule in his recovery from an ankle sprain and also a chance to return as early as next week.
Ruckman Jon Griffin will be given until Thursday to prove he’s recovered from an ankle sprain, while forward line revelation Ricky Henderson is expected to make the trip to Perth despite nursing a sore calf.
Second-year utility Shaun McKernan, who was an emergency for the clash with Essendon, is likely to replace Griffin if the West Australian fails to come up.
McKernan hasn’t played an AFL game since breaking his arm at training a few days after making his debut against Richmond in round 14, last season but Rutten said the 19-year-old was ready for a return.
“Shaun’s form has been good,” Rutten said.
“He’s been playing in the ruck and a bit up forward as well [at South Adelaide], so he’ll have that same sort of versatility as Ivan and Griffo. It’s not going to be unfamiliar for Shauny.”
The Crows have a dismal record against West Coast, particularly at Subiaco Oval where they have won just three times in club history.
Adelaide’s last away win against the Eagles was back in round 22, 2005 and Rutten said the players were desperate to change that record this weekend.
“We haven’t won away from home this season and our history over the last few years of playing West Coast in Perth hasn’t been great. It hasn’t been mentioned [by coach Neil Craig] and it doesn’t need to be,” Rutten said.
“I think there are enough players around here who have been involved in some of the losses over there, and there’s a real resolve for us to get the job done this week.”
Retiring skipper Simon Goodwin left the track early on Tuesday, but is not considered in any doubt for the clash with West Coast.
The debate over who will replace Goodwin as captain next season continues to rage, with Rutten, a member of the current leadership group, the latest player to put his hand up.
“To be the captain of any footy club would be a fantastic honour. The way our system is, it’s about actions and the players looking up to you. If the players look up to me in that way and I could lead them that would be fantastic,” he said.
