Dustin Fletcher and James Hird have not had the start they planned this season. Both have been unlucky with injury and spent too much time watching games from the sidelines The good news is that at least one and possibly both could play this weekend. Fletcher strained his ankle ligaments in the Round 6 match against Fremantle and has been doing non-weight bearing work in a bid to return this Friday night against Hawthorn. ""We have been pleased with how Dustin has progressed last week. He will be back into full training this week and hopefully should get up for the Hawthorn match. He has also been spending time in the hyperbaric chamber to fast track his recovery from the ankle injury,"" Quinn said.

Hird's unfortunate run with injuries continued on Saturday. Midway through the first quarter he dived for a mark and Richmond's Mark Chaffy attempting to spoil kneed him in the back of the calf. Hird immediately hobbled from the ground with a burst blood vessel in his calf and took no further part in the match. ""We iced and strapped the calf after the match and James spent the majority of yesterday walking through water to try and keep the swelling down. At this stage the calf has probably doubled in size. James will be doing everything possible to get himself right for this week. We will know more about his progress on Wednesday when we have our major skills session,"" Quinn said.

Dean Rioli also missed the game against Richmond with a strained hamstring. He has resumed light running work and at this stage looks to be still one week away. Good news for Bomber fans with Adam Ramanauskas starting light training work. ""Rama has been back at the club doing a bit of aerobic work. He has predominantly been riding the bike to try and get his fitness levels back up. He will start running this week, which is a good sign. He is in great spirits and looking forward to getting back out on the track.""

Damian Cupido received a slight knock to his shoulder in the Fremantle match and was given to the last minute to prove his fitness for the Richmond game. He didn't quite get up and was replaced in the selected side by Jordan Bannister. Quinn said Cupido didn't play for precautionary reasons and expects him to train all week and return on Friday night.