MIDFIELDER Jordie McKenzie will have to pass a fitness test if he is to return for Sunday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.

Elite performance manger Dave Misson said McKenzie, who has missed the past two matches with a calf injury sustained in round one, was right in the mix to play.

“[In] round one, he got a really severe cork and it really blew up and had a lot of swelling,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He kept playing on it, which made it worse.

“He was pretty close for round two, but after a training session it blew up again, so he’s trained today (Tuesday) and got through pretty well. We expect him to train [again] and play this week.”

Recruit Chris Dawes, who has yet to play due to a hamstring injury, is a chance to resume after this round.

“He’s had a really good week in rehab,” Misson said.

“Being a recurrence, we’re going to play it pretty conservative, so he won’t be this week, but we’re hoping he’ll play next week.”

Backman Tom Gillies missed last round with a groin injury, but is likely to play.

“He’s pulled up pretty well and he’ll be a test on Thursday and Saturday, but again, we expect him to play,” Misson said.

Defenders Lynden Dunn and Joel Macdonald, who have had similar hamstring injuries, will also be chances.

“Both him (Dunn) and Joel Macdonald have similar injuries,” Misson said.

“They’ve been going well for a couple of weeks now, and they’ll be a test for this week.”

Midfielder Tom Couch was a late withdrawal last Saturday in the VFL, due to gastro, but Misson was confident the rookie would play this weekend.

“He had a severe bout of gastro on the morning of the game, so we pulled him out, but we expect him to play this week,” he said.

Big man Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) is in contention to resume.

“Fitzy had some concussion symptoms and reported them in the very last session before the game, so we played a conservative line and pulled him, but we expect him to play this week.” 

Misson said rookie Nathan Stark (knee) will train on Thursday, and is expected to play in the VFL.

Round four injury list
Tom Couch (ill) – test
Chris Dawes (hamstring) – 1-2 weeks
Lynden Dunn (hamstring) – test
Joel MacDonald (hamstring) – test
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) – test
Jordie McKenzie (calf) – test
Nathan Stark (knee) – test
Tom Gillies (groin) – test