Essendon are expecting star duo Joe Daniher and Devon Smith to be fit to report for duty on the first day of AFL pre-season following successful surgeries.
The Bombers suffered twin blows in May when they announced Daniher needed a season-ending groin operation and that Smith's campaign would be brought to a close by knee surgery.
Both players carried their respective issues into the 2019 season after struggling with them last year.
But it is hoped the pair will start preparations for 2020 with a clean slate after positive post-operation reports.
"They're both going really well," coach John Worsfold said.
"They've had follow-up appointments with their surgeons and they're really pleased with the outcomes.
"So they're now moving into a rehab phase.
"Joe is well and truly underway with his, Dev is still in a brace and a week or so away, but when he gets back he'll be full on into it."
The injuries to Daniher and Smith have made it difficult to build a cohesive attacking unit, with fellow forwards like Orazio Fantasia, James Stewart, Mitch Brown and Jake Stringer all hurt at various stages this season.
"We've obviously had things that have meant (our progress) isn't in a straight line," Worsfold said.
"You might think you're just starting to see some chemistry build and then you'll have two or three forwards out again.
"Our back line has been pretty sound, touch wood, and you see that their (progress) has been more in a straight line.
"But regardless of the availability of players we'll continue to focus on he way that we want to play.
"As we get the group together for longer they'll continue to improve."
