Essendon big man Tom Bellchambers is a chance to line up against Sydney at the SCG on Friday night after being passed fit to play this weekend.
Bellchambers has missed the last three weeks as he recovers from a setback in his return from an ankle injury.
Club doctor Bruce Reid said he expected Bellchambers to take to the field this weekend in either the AFL or VFL.
“Tommy is doing very well, we backed him off for a couple of weeks but he is now back into full training,” Reid said.
“He will be part of a full training session today and he will play unless something untoward happens.”
Young defender Marty Gleeson is also expected to return to football this weekend after persistent groin soreness.
Gleeson has not played since round 8 against Brisbane at the Gabba after suffering a quad strain before groin soreness.
“Marty Gleeson was suffering from low grade tendonitis for about four to five weeks so we took a conservative approach,” Reid said.
“We expect him to train fully today and he will play this week.”
Captain Jobe Watson continues to be on track for a return to the field before the end of the season.
Reid confirmed he had begun taking part in kicking drills at training in recent weeks.
“We expect him to play the last two games and possibly if Julian Feller is really happy with him then he may play the last three,” he said.
“Obviously he isn’t out there kicking a 50 metre bombs as that is what will pull on that tendon but he is kicking with a bent knee short distances already.”
“He began that kicking at the weekend and is feeling no pain what so ever.”
Joe Daniher is also expected to return to the team within the next two weeks following surgery on a fracture in his collarbone.