Tasmania have been handed a significant boost ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying Final against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, with Caleb Mitchell and Cameron Owen both in line to return.

Mitchell, who last featured for Tasmania in the win over the Gold Coast Suns in early July, has spent the past month on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury.

The 22-year-old had been one of the Devils’ standout performers prior to his injury setback, averaging 20.1 disposals, four clearances and four tackles, while also hitting the scoreboard with eight goals from his 14 games.

Mitchell could be joined by his former Sydney Swans teammate Owen, with the ruckman also in line to return after recovering from a low-grade adductor strain suffered in Tasmania’s win over Werribee at North Hobart Oval.

Owen’s potential return comes at an important time for Jeromey Webberley’s side, with fellow ruckman Aiden Begg ruled out for the remainder of the VFL season.

VFL/W High-Performance Manager Ross Brosnan has provided an update on several other key Devils ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying Final.

Baker Smith

Baker sustained a popliteus injury while playing at local level. He is progressing through his rehabilitation and is expected to return in 1 week.

Baxter Norton

Baxter sustained an ankle injury while playing at local level. He is progressing through his rehabilitation and is expected to return in 1 week. 

Nelson Beikoff-Smart

Nelson sustained a hamstring injury during training three weeks ago. He is making good progress through his rehabilitation program, with his return timeline 2–3 weeks.

Sam Siggins

Sam sustained a hamstring injury at local level. He is progressing well through his rehabilitation program, with his return timeline 3–4 weeks. 

Aiden Begg

Aiden sustained internal injuries during the match against GWS, with further investigations confirming Grade 2 liver and kidney lacerations. He will continue a period of recovery and ongoing medical management and will miss the remainder of the season.

Max Roney

Max sustained a quad tendon injury during the warm-up ahead of the Gold Coast clash. He is also scheduled to undergo surgery this week on the shoulder he dislocated earlier in the year. Combined with his ongoing quad tendon rehabilitation, he will miss the remainder of the season.

Harry Brereton

Harry sustained a shoulder dislocation after impacting the ground following a spoil during the win over Werribee. The club is working through his ongoing management plan, including surgical management. He will miss the remainder of the season.

Tyler McGinniss

Tyler sustained a plantar plate tear while playing at local level and has since undergone surgery. He continues to progress his lower-body conditioning, strength and return-to-run program. His return timeline remains TBC.