The veteran guard was ruled out of Wednesday night’s loss to Melbourne with a strained calf, but is determined to take to the court at Geelong.

“I hope to (play),’’ Heal said last night.

“I haven’t done anything for a week now so I’m hoping it’s alright, but it’s really just going to be a matter of getting through.”

Heal said the strain was linked to a prolonged knee injury.

“I’m going to have a little bit of knee surgery at the end of the season, I’ve been carrying that for the last six or eight weeks and that’s part of (the strain),’’ Heal said.

“I guess by carrying it it’s just put a little bit of pressure on the calf and I’ve just got a small strain so it’s nothing major, but Sunday becomes a massive game for us so I have to do everything I can to get ready.’'

Heal joined teammates in a light recovery session at MSAC this morning. He now has four days to return to full fitness ahead of Sunday's all-important showdown at Geelong.