Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy could return to playing duties this week, while star defender Alex Pearce might only miss two AFL games with a broken thumb.
Pearce underwent surgery earlier this week after breaking his thumb during Sunday's three-point win over Adelaide.
But the club is hopeful he will return in round 16, meaning he might only miss games against Carlton and Brisbane either side of the bye.
"He was tough enough to play through but unfortunately we had to go to surgery to get it repaired," high performance manager Jason Weber said.
"Hopefully, according to the surgeon we can turn it around in three weeks."
Darcy injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April, but is a chance to line up for WAFL side Peel Thunder this weekend.
Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands (concussion) is set to return for Saturday's clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium, while Nat Fyfe is back after serving his one-week suspension.
Harley Bennell could return to WAFL action this weekend if he has no further setbacks with his calf.
And in some other good news on the injury front, the Hill brothers are getting closer to making their returns.
Brad Hill hasn't played since injuring his knee in round two, but he is expected to return to WAFL action on July 1.
Hill must play at least one WAFL game because it will serve as his one-match AFL ban for last month's off-field misdemeanour at a Scarborough night spot.
His brother Stephen Hill hasn't played since re-injuring his quad in round 10, but is set to return to training later this week.
Defender Michael Johnson is out of the running to replace Pearce this weekend after copping a one-match suspension while playing in the WAFL.
But Taylin Duman could come back in after recovering from his unusual back injury.
Duman was meant to play against Adelaide last week, but was pulled out after injuring his back while stepping out of his car at the stadium.
"Taylin just has a bit of disc history in his lumber spine," Weber said.
"Coming out of the car he twisted the wrong way ... he's been treated by the medical staff and we're confident we'll get him to a test this week."
No timelines have been set for the returns of Griffin Logue (ankle) and Lee Spurr (knee).
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