Jason Johannisen is in the frame to return from injury on Sunday against the Gold Coast Suns.

The influential defender has completed his rehabilitation program, and has returned to full training.

“JJ has ticked the final boxes in the return following his syndesmosis injury,” medical services manager Chris Bell said.

“He’s back into full training and completed a really good game-like session on the weekend.

“I’ll work with match committee this week to determine his availability for the weekend, and we’ll make a decision if it’s this week or the following.” 

In more positive news, Tom Boyd (back) and Lin Jong (hamstring) are also on track to return to play over the coming fortnight.

However, a number of Bulldogs suffered setbacks in a VFL practice match over the weekend.

Ben Cavarra, coming back from a quad injury, copped a heavy hit which left him with a broken rib and internal bruising and bleeding. His return to play time frame is still to be determined.

Draftee Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring) is expected to miss up to five weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in the same game. 

Ruckman Jackson Trengove sustained an ankle injury, but is a test to be available for selection this weekend.

* Injury list updated on Tuesday 4 April, 2019