Michael Hurley has been cleared to play in the Bombers opening JLT Community Series match against Collingwood on Thursday. 

The All-Australian defender rolled his ankle in an intra-club match ten days ago, but has recovered well and will be available for the match against the Pies. 

Aaron Francis will miss this week’s game but is a chance to feature in the Bombers remaining JLT Community Series matches against Gold Coast (February 26) and Geelong (March 12). 

“We saw Aaron carried off in the intra-club last Wednesday with an ankle sprain,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said.

“That ankle sprain has come up quite well. 

“Aaron was running today, so he’ll progress his running into change of direction and agility over the next session or two and then he’ll be back into training next week.”

The Bombers are taking a ‘no risks’ approach with Brent Stanton who pulled up sore following last week's intra-club hit-out.

“Brent has still got some groin tightness from the game last Wednesday,” Crow said. 

“He could have got up and played but we’re taking a no risks strategy, particularly with guys returning so he won’t be available this week."

Michael Hartley has resumed full training following his hamstring injury and is expected to be available for the last two JLT Community Series games. 

“’Harts’ did everything today and he’ll continue to do all of the training this week and be available after JLT One,” Crow said.

Joe Daniher could return for the pre-season game against Gold Coast later this month, while Tom Bellchambers is continuing to make strong progress in his recovery from a knee injury.

Alex Morgan is also building up his training program following an ankle injury.

“With Alex it’s important we build up his high speed running, so for that reason he did part of training today and he’ll be doing most of training for the rest of the week,” Crow said.