The Western Bulldogs' AFLW premiership defence has received a boost with injured star Brooke Lochland targeting a round five return as she continues her strong recovery from a broken leg.
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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 one.
But coach Paul Groves told reporters on Thursday that surgery to insert a plate over the break had gone well and her recovery is progressing ahead of schedule.
"I think the best-case scenario is potentially a round five (return), but more realistic is about round six," 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 five 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 on Saturday 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 X-factor that she brings to a game of footy."
Australian Associated Press
