Melissa Hickey is recovering well from her knee reconstruction, training with teammates but not yet at contact level. Veteran Aasta O'Connor is currently on a semi-restricted training load but is expected to join full training soon, as is draftee Denby Taylor, who is recovering from glandular fever. Ruck Erin Hoare is the biggest issue for the Cats. Still suffering the effects of a foot injury dating back to the VFLW finals in September, Hoare is due to start running in a few weeks. Renee Garing's recovery from a back injury that restricted her to just five VFLW games this year is progressing well.