Dogs’ star forward kicking on

THE Western Bulldogs’ premiership defence has received a boost with injured star Brooke Lochland targeting a Round 5 return as she continues her strong recovery from a broken leg.

There were initially fears that last year’s AFLW leading goal-kicker would miss the entire season when she fractured a fibula in a practice match just a fortnight before Round 1.

But coach Paul Groves yesterday said surgery to insert a plate over the break had gone well and her recovery was progressing ahead of schedule.

“I think the best-case scenario is potentially a Round 5 (return), but more realistic is about Round 6,” Groves said.

“It really depends on the wound and where she sits with that.

“But she had a real kick along (on Wednesday) being out of the boot and walking around outside kicking a few footies as well.

“We’re pretty bullish and so is she … with the power of the mind as well, we’re trying to go with the best-case scenario so that she can get a real kick along out of that.”

The Bulldogs continue to take a conservative approach with Isabel Huntington after her knee scare in December, with the No.1 draft pick also pencilled in for a Round 5 return.

The reigning premiers opened their campaign with a one-point thriller over Adelaide at Norwood Oval and will unfurl their flag at Whitten Oval tomorrow night when they host Geelong.

Groves revealed exciting Irish prospect Aisling McCarthy will make her debut. “She’s in form, she’s ready to go,” Groves said.

“She’s a small forward who kicks with both feet.

“We just don’t know (how good she can be) because she’s come from Gaelic football.

“I can’t wait to see the Xfactor that she brings to a game of footy.”