Cody Weightman is likely to play his first game for 2023 after recovering from an adductor issue that plagued him over the first month of the season.

The 22-year-old will need to get through the Bulldogs’ main session on Wednesday before being available for selection.

“Cody is in the final stages of his conservative return to play plan following his adductor issues,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said.

“He has built continuity in his football training and his fitness base.

“If he gets through main training tomorrow and performs well – he will available for selection this weekend.”

Alex Keath will miss the clash with Port Adelaide during Gather Round after sustaining a concussion against Richmond on the weekend.

“Alex suffered some contact to his head during a marking contest in the first quarter of the game against the Tigers,” Bell said.

“On assessment, he showed some low-level signs of concussion – so was taken out of the game.

“He has come in well to the club this week but won’t be available for selection this weekend.

“We will work with our doctors over the next 12 days to determine his return to play plan.”

Hayden Crozier will be a test ahead of Saturday night’s showdown at Adelaide Oval after copping a knock to the back during the third quarter.

“Hayden was involved in a contest that involved heavy impact in the third quarter,” Bell said.

“He had some neck and upper back pain so spent the rest of the game on the bench.

“Scans have since cleared any serious structural injury – but he is still suffering muscle spasm symptoms related to the whiplash type mechanism.

“We will determine Hayden’s availability towards the end of this week.”

Riley Garcia will be missed in the medium term, suffering some groin issues post the Brisbane fixture.

“Following main training last week, Riley Garcia showed signs of some symptoms consistent with groin muscle overload,” Bell said.

“Understanding that these injuries can be prone to becoming chronic and impacting performance – we are being proactive and have put Riley in a rehabilitation model.

“We will become clearer in his return to play timeline over the next couple of weeks.”

Injury List:

Cody Weightman (groin): available
Hayden Crozier (back): test
Alex Keath (concussion): 1-2 weeks
Laith Vandermeer (leg): 1-2 weeks
Harvey Gallagher (hamstring): 3-5 weeks
Roarke Smith (foot): TBC
Dom Bedendo (groin): indefinite