A VFL intra club hitout saw two Blues make significant steps towards returns.

With the Northern Blues having a bye in the opening week of the VFL home-and-away season, AFL and VFL-listed players ramped up their preparations.

Two of those were Matthew Kreuzer and Darcy Lang, who are both on the comeback trail from injury.

After knee surgery back in January, Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said Kreuzer was a strong performer.

“Matthew Kreuzer had a really good weekend of training. We had a VFL intra club practice match and he played really good minutes there,” Russell said.

“We expect him to have a full week of training and be available for selection this week at either VFL or AFL level.”

With an ankle injury interrupted his summer, Lang also played some meaningful minutes as he closes in on a return.

Russell said there was a “good chance” that Lang would be available for selection this Sunday.

“Darcy Lang played in the VFL intra club on the weekend and played really well,” he said.

“He’s a test to play this week, we’re really encouraged with the way he’s coming along with his ankle.”

Russell also envisaged impending returns to action for Harrison Macreadie and Tom Williamson.

For his full comments, watch the video above.