FOUR Cats are approaching football returns as the health of the Cats' list continues to improve.

Luke Dahlhaus, Jake Kolodjashnij, Francis Evans and Nathan Kreuger will all face tests this week with a return to play in sight.

Dahlhaus was withdrawn just prior to Geelong’s victory over the Saints after a heavy collision the week prior.

“Luke obviously came very close to playing against St Kilda and was withdrawn the day of the game,” GM of Football Simon Lloyd says.

“We’re aiming to see Luke train this week and the fact he came so close last week tells us that we’re expecting him to be available for this week’s game against the Gold Coast.”

Dependable defender Jake Kolodjashnij has now missed the last three matches after injuring his MCL against West Coast and trained strongly in Monday’s craft session.

“Jake is on track with his knee MCL injury,” Lloyd says.

“He’s completing running, kicking, change of direction and we’ll see him included in training this week and we’ll assess his availability to play.”

Promising forward Francis Evans has made strong strides in his efforts to return from the syndesmosis injury he suffered against the Hawks in Round 3.

The second-year forward made his debut in Round 2, showing promise with a classy goal early on debut.

“Evans had the syndesmosis ankle injury, he’s progressing very well with his fitness and pending training throughout the week we expect him to go close to being available,” Lloyd says.

Nathan Kreuger and Cooper Stephens are on the improve, taking part in Monday’s craft session.

“Nathan Kreuger with his knee injury is showing excellent progress,” Lloyd says.

“It will be specific to his training and football loads but he also may be available this week, subject to a test.

“Cooper has had some challenges with his injury and things seem to have settled.

“He’s participating in part of training and we’ll monitor that closely over the coming week. He’s showing positive signs which is great.

Patrick Dangerfield this week expressed his desire to return to play following the Cats’ Round 12 bye, while Lloyd says the Cats will be conservative with their vice-captain.

“Patrick is currently running and tracking well - the key thing for us with Patrick is pulling the reins on him where we need to,” Lloyd says.

“We’ll assess over the coming week as to which path we’ll take.”

Gryan Miers has returned to running on an Alter G treadmill two weeks after injuring his leg against the Swans.

Mark O’Connor and Sam Simpson continue to recover from their respective hamstring injuries.

“Sam will continue to work on his strength to reduce the risk of any reoccurrence in the future,” Lloyd says.

“It’s just a matter of putting the work in now for Sam and looking to the future.

“Mark O’Connor has made expected progress with him hamstring rehabilitation.”

Second-year defender Cameron Taheny suffered a minor adductor strain.

“We’re expecting a short rehabilitation period for Cam before he becomes available in the coming week or two,” Lloyd says.