Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan has been cleared to make his long-awaited playing return this Saturday - but whether it's at AFL level remains to be seen.
Hogan hasn't played since undergoing surgery on his right foot following the round 14 loss to Melbourne last year - his second serious navicular injury.
The 25-year-old's future was placed in further doubt in January when he decided to take a lengthy break from the game to focus on his mental health.
At one stage there were fears Hogan wouldn't play at all in 2020.
But his physical and mental health has improved drastically in recent months, with the former Demon impressing on the training track since the coronavirus return.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says he's yet to decide whether to play Hogan in Saturday's AFL clash against Brisbane, or a scratch match against the Lions earlier in the day.
"He'll play football this weekend. We'll decide later today or tomorrow whether it's at AFL level," Longmuir said.
"The thing we need to realise with Jesse is he hasn't played senior footy for a year now.
"We need to make him resilient as a player so that he can get through 15, 16 consecutive games."
Longmuir said Hogan had enjoyed being around the club again.
"He's pumped. He's a new person around the place," Longmuir said.
"He's invested in what we're doing. He's physically in good shape, which is helping his mental wellbeing."
Longmuir also faces a tough selection call on veteran Stephen Hill, who has been plagued by quad issues over the past two years.
"He's a chance to play. He's done everything asked of him," Longmuir said.
"He's a little bit like Jesse - how can we make sure he gets through not just round two, but the rest of the season.
"I see him as a top-10 player for us. He's been a star of our club for a long period of time, and I want to make sure we build a resilient footballer again and one that can contribute week in, week out."
David Mundy (leg) and Nathan Wilson (toe) appear certain to return after missing round one through injury, but rising star nominee Sam Sturt (back) will have to prove his fitness at training.
Recruit Blake Acres (hamstring) is another player pushing for selection.
Longmuir said the club still hadn't got to the bottom of Cam McCarthy's collapse at training last week.
McCarthy will be rested against the Lions, with the Dockers to consult more doctors before deciding a path forward.
Australian Associated Press
