Essendon veteran Michael Hurley has been discharged from hospital after suffering a severely infected leg.
The infection was believed to have started at his hip and his stay in hospital was longer than expected as doctors attempted to find the right antibiotic for his body.
Hurley is expected to return to training within two weeks and could be in line for selection in Round 1, when the Bombers take on Hawthorn on March 20.
The 30-year-old has been trialled as a forward in preseason as the Bombers begin to plan for life without the former number 5 pick in their backline.
Tom Stewart has trained as a defender during preseason as new coach Ben Ruttan moulds the team into his gameplan.
Hurley has played 193 games and kicked 108 goals across 11 seasons.
