Horsley set for Lions return
The unbeaten start to the year for league leaders Subiaco is about to get even better, with captain Kyal Horsley on the brink of returning from a knee reconstruction.
The club resisted throwing the former Gold Coast midfielder into the fray in the first two rounds despite Horsley having been back in full training since the end of February.
However, coach Jarrad Schofield said he expected the 26- year-old to be given the green light to make his return against Claremont at East Fremantle Oval tomorrow.
Horsley has not played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the Suns' reserves last July.
Gold Coast de-listed the mature-aged recruit at the end of the season, prompting his move back to Subiaco where the former club best-and-fairest winner was appointed skipper.
"We probably could have played him round one," Schofield said. "We chose to give him another few weeks.
"He's spoken to not only our medical staff, but he actually touched base with the Gold Coast medical staff on the weekend.
"He was a good chance to play on the weekend, but we chose just because of playing on a foreign ground to give him another week.
"We'd think he'll probably make his way into the side.
"Obviously selection's going to be tough, so whoever misses out is going to be a bit stiff. But when he's your captain and ready to go, he'll be a strong chance to play."
The Lions have the option of blooding Horsley back through the reserves, but are expected to forego that alternative for his comeback.
Horsley has already filled the role of team runner in the first two rounds - a move that has helped in providing added leadership on game day.
He will complement a midfield that has fired in the two wins over South Fremantle and East Fremantle, with recruits Shaun Hildebrandt and Wayde Twomey driving Subiaco's strong start.
·West Perth will resist pulling the trigger on Sandover medallist Andrew Krakouer despite battling to kick decent scores in a lacklustre start to their premiership defence.
Krakouer, 30, negotiated three quarters of reserves last Saturday at Arena Joondalup, his first competitive hit-out for the year.
However, Falcons coach Bill Monaghan said the high-profile recruit would be given at least another week in the seconds before being considered for seniors, ruling out a return in tomorrow's home clash with Perth.
"We hope a full game of reserves will get him to the stage where he will be available for selection," he said.
