Ryan Gardner is still a chance to face the Sydney Swans on Thursday night at the SCG after completing main training today.

The defender copped a number of knocks across the fixture against Collingwood and will be given every chance ahead of the vital clash.

“We have been working overtime to accelerate Ryan's recovery,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“He ticked some good boxes during main training today, and we will monitor him over the next 24 hours before we confirm his availability for this Thursday night against the Swans.”

Dom Bedendo will again miss a chunk of football after injuring his groin in Footscray’s victory last weekend.

“In the last quarter of the VFL game, Dom Bedendo went to jump up into a marking contest and had some acute pain at the attachment site of his groin muscle,” Bell said.

“This is a high-grade injury and will need a considerable period of time to scar and heal.

“We will confirm his rehab timeframe in due course.”

In positive news, Toby McLean looks set to return to selection after recovering from a lower back issue.

“During the VFL game against the Gold Coast in Darwin, Toby Mclean had some sharp pain in his lower back,” Bell said.

“This has taken some time to settle.

“He is now pain free and completed a good block of full training without ongoing concerns.

“If Toby pulls up well from training today, he will return to availability for this weekend.”

Injury List

Ryan Gardner (general soreness): test

Toby McLean (lower back): test

Jason Johannisen (hamstring): 2-3 weeks

Hayden Crozier (hamstring): 4-6 weeks

Liam Jones (forearm): 3-5 weeks

Tim O’Brien (hamstring): 4-6 weeks

Roarke Smith (foot): indefinite

Dom Bedendo (groin): indefinite