Four-time Ash medallist James Darke will return from a knee reconstruction when Torquay hosts Newcomb at McCartney Oval.
The star midfielder hasn’t played since Round 7 last year.
Coach Dom Gleeson flagged to K rock Football late last month that Darke was closing in on a return but thought it would be closer to the July bye.
“He’s running around without a limp, ticking all the boxes,” Gleeson said. “I have a suspicion it will be close to the bye.
“But, again, not putting any timeframe on it because I worry that he’ll push for that date.
“He’ll just go by feel and the physio.”
Torquay has named an extended squad for its meeting with the Power.
Tom Diamond and Jacob Ireland return, while ruck Jack Thompson will play his first senior game since last year.
He replaces Ed McCoy (knee), with Max Hurley (soreness) and Baxter Mensch (back) also missing from the team that defeated Barwon Heads last week.
Newcomb has welcomed back Team of the Year defender Tom Webster from injury, veteran defender Peter Gordyn, and recalled reserves captain Jeanpaul Dumont.
They replace the injured Jarrad Duncan (coccyx) and the unavailable Beau Adams and Jack Drought.
Ocean Grove will debut former under-18 captain Jack Connolly in its clash with Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
The Grubbers have also named co-coach Nick Bourke for just his fifth game of the season.
However, star big man Ed Dayman will be sidelined.
The Demons have been forced into six changes through a mixture of injury and unavailability.
Among those missing are former AFL duo Connor Menadue and Jaryd Cachia, fellow recruits Braydon Pool and James Goetz, big man Nathan Pigott, and stalwart Shane Wiffen.
They’ve been replaced by Spencer Park, Ryan Salvador, Lachie Williams, Harrison Vella, Max Jenkin, and Blaide Dowie.
Park, who played under-18s at Ocean Grove last year, will make his senior debut for Portarlington.
For Vella and Salvador, it’s their first 2pm game of the year, while Williams last played senior football in 2022.
Dowie and Jenkin have been recalled from the reserves.
Portarlington defeated Ocean Grove for the first time since 1994 in Round 2.
The Demons haven’t won consecutive games against the Grubbers since 1983.
Geelong Amateur could make up to five changes for its clash with Queenscliff at KFC Oval.
Star midfielder Tom Gribble will be sidelined through suspension, while Harrison Orr (broken wrist) is facing an extended stint on the sidelines.
Guy Hardiman has been managed, while Hamish Scott will play in the reserves.
The Coutas have made two changes.
Bailey Prato will become the latest debutant, with Pat Bradley recalled from the reserves.
They replace former captain Jake Hedley and Sol Bowtell, who are both injured.
Nick Nott, Jai Sheahan, Daniel Grose, Will Mithen, and James Fouracre have been included.
Anglesea has welcomed Tom Couch and Kobe Iversen-Smith back at the expense of Liam Carolan and Ike Hardman for its meeting with Modewarre at Mt Moriac Reserve.
The Warriors have added Nat Matthews, Will Koopman and Will Thrum to their squad as they chase a third consecutive win.
Barwon Heads could have access to Geelong Falcons/Geelong VFL big man Joe Pike for its crucial clash with fellow top-three aspirant Drysdale at Howard Harmer Oval.
The Seagulls are waiting to hear if the Cats require Pike.
Co-coach Mitch Herbison, Finn Cornell, and Kallum Hinchcliffe return from injury.
Angus Ford is back from the Falcons, and Jack Henderson is available with Geelong College, which is having the weekend off.
They replace unavailable pair Archie Hildebrandt and Noah Young, Lachie Slorach (hamstring) and omitted duo Harvey Lardner and Louis Hannett.
The Hawks will be without the experienced Mitch O’Dowd, who has headed overseas.
Reserves captain Toby Wiffen has been promoted for his first game of the year.
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