Ruck Liz McGrath will be unavailable for the trip to Fremantle this week after entering the concussion protocols.

McGrath sustained the blow in a scrimmage match last weekend, ruling her out for at least Round 6.

Co-vice captain Nicole Bresnehan is in recovery mode having undergone surgery last week for her left ankle syndesmosis issue.

"The surgery went well and in this initial post-op phase the focus will be on reduction of pain and inflammation before we look to progress," AFLW head of physical performance Alex Veitch told NMFC Media.

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Young defender Cassidy Mailer (thigh) will return to running this week, having completed a few weeks of strength loading.

She will build out her running loads out over the coming weeks as she continues to hunt a League debut after being taken with pick 54 in the 2022 AFLW Draft.