Small forward Tom Papley is likely to be fit to return to the side to take on North Melbourne despite being ruled out of this week’s clash with Geelong.

Papley missed Thursday night’s loss to Richmond as he looks to overcome a hip flexor issue.

Head of Football Tom Harley said the livewire forward would return to training later this week.

“We have a ten-day break after the Geelong game before we play North Melbourne so the expectation is he should be available for that game,” Harley said.

“He will start running and training in the back end of this week with the view to get the full week of training in next week.”

“He is an important player for us and we look forward to him returning against the Roos.”

Luke Parker will be fit to take on Geelong on Thursday night after being cleared of any serious injury.

Parker copped a knock to his elbow and an elbow to the eye in the loss to Richmond before playing out the game.

“Luke is a hardened campaigner, he copped an elbow to the eye, was a bit stunned but clearly it didn’t affect him during the game at all,” Harley said.

“He also had an episode with his elbow but he is fine, will train tonight and be absolutely right to play on Thursday night.”

Isaac Heeney will train with the team on Tuesday and be given every chance to take his place in the line up as he looks to overcome concussion.

Meantime key position duo Sam Reid and Lewis Melican both made successful returns to the NEAFL side and will increase their match time in Saturday’s hit out against GWS.