Ledger closing in on Tiger return

High-profile recruit Tom Ledger is in the mix to return for Claremont's clash with Peel at Bendigo Bank Stadium tomorrow.

Ledger, St Kilda's third pick and No.59 overall in the 2010 national draft, played eight AFL games after making his debut in 2011.

The 22-year-old, de-listed by the Saints at the end of 2013, lined up in Claremont's first eight games this year before being dropped, a casualty of the Tigers' 16-point loss to Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval on May 17.

Ledger was quiet against Subiaco in the round-10 reserves game with 12 possessions, but he has averaged 28 disposals in four matches since, including 31 last weekend against South Fremantle.

Football manager Dean Hors-ington said Ledger had done everything right in the reserves.

"Tom's gone back, really improved his game and put himself in a position to get picked again," Horsington said yesterday.

"He had certain areas that needed improving defensively and through the reserves he has been able to do that. He put himself in a position where he won't be far away this week or coming weeks to get an opportunity again."

Horsington said captain Jake Murphy, on the comeback trail from an Achilles injury, was likely to need some more game time in the reserves after playing in the early match against the Bulldogs last weekend.

"Jake played half a game in the reserves last week," Horsington said.

"He'll be on scheduled time in the reserves this week and should be in a better position to play league pending on how he pulls up this week."

Murphy played the first three games of the year and missed Claremont's next three matches before returning for round eight and nine losses to East Perth and Swans.

One of the league's elite midfielders, Murphy, won _The West Australian _-WAFL Player of the Year Award last season.

The 24-year-old averaged 25 possessions in 22 games in 2013.

He also lined up for the Black Swans who snapped a 22-year drought to beat Victoria in last year's State game.