GEELONG midfielder Cam Guthrie is hopeful he'll be able to return for Friday night's preliminary final clash against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
The 25-year-old missed last Friday night's semi-final win over the Swans after injuring his right calf the week before in the qualifying final against Richmond.
Scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain with the prognosis for the injury estimated at 1-2 weeks.
"It's feeling pretty good, it's coming along," Guthrie said on Monday morning.
"I've had calf issues before so I know what to expect. The medical staff are helping me out.
"I'm back running which is a good sign, and just looking forward no matter what the case, to getting out there and supporting the boys."
When asked what percentage chance he was of a return, Guthrie replied, "I'm on the increase, which is good".
Guthrie will need to get through Wednesday's main training session unscathed if he is any chance of being recalled.
Also pushing his case for a return is speedster Nakia Cockatoo.
The 20-year-old has injured his hamstring twice in the second half of the season, and hasn't played a senior game since round 19.
Cockatoo said while he was "edging closer" to a return, he was unsure whether he would be in the selection mix.
"I'm feeling good," Cockatoo said.
"I've just got to get through training today and Wednesday as well, so it's up to the coaches, and we'll have to see what happens."
Defender Tom Lonergan is expected to return from illness after being a late withdrawal from last Friday night's win over the Swans, with Rhys Stanley the player most likely to make way.
