The Roos are "more unlikely than likely" to have spearhead Nick Larkey (knee) and George Wardlaw (concussion) for Saturday's matchup with Geelong, as coach Alastair Clarkson looks to settle on his side for Round 20.
Larkey hasn't played since Round 17 due to his ailment; however, his recovery over the past week has seen him enter the selection mix for this weekend, which has come as a welcome surprise at Arden Street.
The key forward is still in doubt to face the Cats, however, with Wardlaw another unlikely addition as he looks to return from a recent concussion.
Wardlaw made a successful return via the VFL last week, but could be utilised at the state league level again this weekend as the Roos look to set him up for a "successful" return to the top flight.
"We'll make a decision on him this afternoon," Clarkson said of Larkey on Thursday.
"He's actually surprised us with how well he's gone over the past week. We weren't expecting him to train to this level until perhaps early next week.
"I think it's more unlikely than likely (that he plays), but we'll see how he feels this afternoon when he gets treated by the doctors.
"[George] is a little bit the same as Nick. We'll make sure he's match-conditioned well enough. He's missed the best part of a month because he's been out with injury.
"He was terrific in the twos last week, but we just want to make sure he's got every chance of being successful when he comes back into the senior side.
"We'll make the call on whether he needs another week or he comes back."
Captain Jy Simpkin has been managed at training following a recent injection, but is expected to face the Cats on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, external reports have suggested second-year Kanagroo Zane Duursma has been left disgruntled by his role and position under Clarkson, with the former Pick 4 selection having been utilised in defence in the VFL as opportunities in the AFL side have been hard to come by.
Clarkson compared Duursma to a former young prodigy he coached at Hawthorn, Jack Gunston, whom the four-time premiership coach sees in the fledgling Duursma.
"He did go behind the ball, and we've just found with young kids who are trying to find their way into the game and make a real consistent impact forward of the footy," Clarkson said.
"We've tried him in a number of positions. He's played forward, he's played midfield, he's played a little bit of wing. Earlier in the year, in the VFL, he played a little bit of half-back. Last week, we pushed him to half-back as well.
"So that's horses for courses, a little bit. We're just trying him in different positions and trying to find a spot where he can have some consistency and continuity with his footy.
"We've got a clear vision on what his capabilities are, and that's something around a Jack Gunston-type player. Jack Gunston wasn't making a huge contribution in his second or third year of footy either.
"It's a long journey for these lads to navigate. The most challenging part is the early part when they're not quite strong enough to take these key positions or crafty enough to know the running patterns.
"[Duursma] find his way. We're confident he'll be a long-term player for us."
The Kangaroos are chasing their fifth win of the season on Saturday when they host Geelong at Marvel Stadium at 7:35 pm (AEST).
