Patrick Ambrose is expected to be available for selection this weekend as he nears a full recovery from a quad injury.

The defender, who signed a new two year contract last week, has been sidelined for the last five matches after sustaining the injury at training on the eve of round six.

High Performance Manager Justin Crow said the last hurdle would be ensuring Ambrose has full range in his kicking. 

“Paddy was really close to playing last week, but just wasn’t quite as clean as we would like,” Crow said.

“He’s had a couple of big sessions on the weekend.

“The last thing he needs to tick off is kicking a long bomb on his right side, otherwise he’s good to go.”

First year player Jordan Ridley will make his VFL debut this weekend after three months on the sideline with a back injury.

Ridley played in the Bombers JLT Community Series match against Gold Coast in February, before a partial stress fracture was discovered in his back in early March.

He’s steadily built up his training loads and is likely to return to the field in the VFL side’s match against North Ballarat at Windy Hill on Saturday.

“Jordan has done a couple of weeks of full training now,” Crow said.

“He’ll be on slightly modified time in the VFL but he’ll be absolutely looking forward to getting back on the park.”

Aaron Francis spent some time in the hands of the trainers following a knock to the calf during the VFL side’s match against Richmond last Saturday.

He returned to the field and is expected to be available this weekend.

Kobe Mutch also spent some time on the bench after a knock to the hip, but like Francis, he’s expected to be available for selection.

Matthew Leuenberger who missed last week with illness will also be available.

Jayden Laverde and Mitch Brown, both sidelined with ankle injuries, remain on track to return after the mid-season bye.