Just three days after breaking his hand, Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter has returned to training ahead of a blockbuster clash against Port Adelaide.
Hunter tested out his hand on Wednesday in preparation for the club’s match against the third-placed Power at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old was injured during the third quarter of the Bulldogs' comeback victory over Carlton on Sunday, and had surgery to fix the issue on Monday.
A decision on his availability will be determined by the club’s medical staff later in the week.
Bulldogs forward Josh Bruce lauded Hunter's determination to remain on the field against the Blues.
Hunter booted a crucial goal in the final term to help propel his team to a 16-point win at Marvel Stadium.
"One of the toughest things I've seen to be able to play through with a broken hand," Bruce said.
"And actually have a really strong influence in a physical sense as well, he was laying tackles and putting pressure on and kicking clutch goals with a broken hand.
"It's pretty incredible and he's the kind of player who rarely misses.
"He told me after the game (his hand was broken) as we were walking off. You wouldn't have known otherwise."
The Bulldogs players and coaches trained in community football club jumpers on Wednesday, with western suburbs local Hunter donning the blue and gold of his junior club, Williamstown.