Melbourne’s AFLW team could be boosted with high-quality talent this week, with Blaithin Mackin to test for Friday night’s game.

The Irish star sustained an MCL injury in Round 2, but could be available for selection when the Dees take on the Bombers.

“Blaithin is progressing well through her recovery and is in the final stages of assessment,” said Josh Keily, the club’s AFLW High Performance Manager.

“She still needs to tick off all her markers during a full week of training to be available for selection for this week.”

Young gun Molly O’Hehir will unfortunately not be available, sustaining a tibiofibular joint sprain during training last week.

“Molly sustained an injury to her lower leg region at training, she got caught up in an awkward tackle,” Keily said.

“We’ll assess how she’s going through training this week, but we’re confident she won’t be away for too long.”

Defender Saraid Taylor will also sit on the sidelines for a period, with Keily confirming that the 27-year-old had injured her hamstring during training.

“Saraid unfortunately experienced a hamstring strain last week, but she seems to be ticking along well in the early stages of her recovery,” Keily said.

“At training early this week she was already able to do some running, which is a good sign at this stage of her recovery.”

Sarah Lampard is progressing in her rehab from a calf injury sustained prior to Round 2.

“Sarah has a few good running sessions under her belt, she just now needs to continue to build her volume before getting into high-speed running and change of direction drills,” Keily said.

Grace Beasley, recovering from ACL injury sustained in September last year, has completed an important milestone in her rehab.

“Grace returned to the main training group this week, which is super exciting for her recovery,” Keily said.

“She still has some strength markers that she’ll need to complete before she’s available for a scrimmage, but seeing her enter unrestricted training this week is a huge achievement.”

Olivia Purcell, who also injured her ACL earlier in the season, continues to work through her rehab program.

“Liv has started some lower limb strength work in the gym, albeit some introductory exercises. Regardless, it’s exciting to see her moving post-surgery, so she’s trending well,” Keily said.

Jacinta Hose (back) is continuing to work through her long-term rehab program.