Utility Najwa Allen made a successful return from a hamstring injury on the weekend, playing modified minutes in a practice match.

Allen has spent the past eight weeks on the sidelines after injuring her hamstring in the lead up to Week One and  will be available for AFLW selection this week.

“Naj played in the practice game last weekend, she only played a half, but she got through it without feeling her hamstring at all,” Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said.

“I’m really pleased for her because it’s been a long time out and I’m pleased for our medical staff who chose the cautious approach and got her back playing.

“She will be available for selection this weekend and she’s ready to play a full game either in a practice match or in the AFLW.”

In further good news, defender Brooke Smith is tracking well in her recovery from a broken collarbone.

Smith avoided surgery however has been in a sling since she sustained the injury in Week Four against Essendon.

“Brooke broke her collarbone back in Week Four and has been in a sling for about six weeks since then,” Harper said.

“She’s now out of the sling and doing some exercises but she’s still three or four weeks away from being ready.

“It’s great that she’ll soon be ready to run again and has started doing some rehab on her shoulder.”

Injury List

(as of Tuesday, October 29)

Brooke Smith (collarbone) 3-4 weeks

Eloise Jones (Achilles) season