Western Bulldogs forward gun Aaron Naughton and new recruit Alex Keath are set to resume full training next month after being restricted during the early part of pre season.
Naughton avoided a serious knee injury in September’s elimination final against the GWS Giants but still needed post-season surgery to repair a lateral ligament injury in his left knee.
Meanwhile, Keath was traded from Adelaide during October’s exchange period and arrives at the club on the back of surgery to repair a stress fracture.
Despite their respective setbacks, Western Bulldogs physical performance manager Chris Bell said the key pair were well on the road to recovery.
“Aaron has progressed nicely through the off-season, after having surgery to repair the knee injury he sustained in our final against the Giants,” he told the club’s website.
“He is back running and we will be building up his football load to re integrate back into training with the squad through January.
“Alex has been incredibly diligent and professional from the moment he walked in the door.
“At the end of last year, he had surgery to repair a lower leg injury. His rehab has gone really smoothly to date – he has progressed his running loads, has built some speed and is starting to be exposed to some football drills.”
The club confirmed midfield trio Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore were all stepping up their training loads after post-season surgeries, while Taylor Duryea’s progress from hip surgery will see him only start running again next month.