Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore is expected to be available within the fortnight.

The 27-year-old has had an injury-interrupted pre-season, after post-season surgery to address a cartilage injury to his right knee.

But the much-loved Bulldog is edging closer to a return.

“Tom has re-joined full training,” medical services manager, Chris Bell, said.

“Without the VFL in operation, he will get his match simulation in training to build his match fitness.

“We expect to see Tom fully fit and available for AFL selection in the next one-to-two weeks.”

The news isn’t as promising for young gun Rhylee West, who suffered a medial ligament injury at training last week.

“We’ve been required to put him in a knee brace to allow the ligament to heal,” Bell said.

“Once he comes out of the brace, we’ll have a good idea of when he returns to play, but at this stage we expect it to be six-to-eight weeks.”

Pat Lipinski will miss this week’s clash after sustaining delayed concussion symptoms from the Bulldogs’ second Marsh Community Series match against Port Adelaide, while Taylor Duryea (groin) and Lin Jong (hamstring) are ramping up their training programs.

Injury list

Aaron Naughton (knee) – available
Pat Lipinski (concussion) – 1 week
Tom Liberatore (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Lin Jong (hamstring) – 4-6 weeks
Taylor Duryea (groin) – 4-6 weeks
Rhylee West (knee) – 6-8 weeks
Riley Garcia (knee) – indefinite