A major “in” for Essendon this week with champion centre-half forward, Scott Lucas, returning to the side to play Adelaide.

Team manager David Calthorpe, said Lucas is a key player for the Bombers and his experience and goal kicking has been missed.

“Scott got through training on Tuesday and today with flying colors - he moved well and has pulled up fine so he is right to go,” Calthorpe said.

“He has been extremely professional in his rehabilitation and he privately set himself to come back this round so he is fired up to play.

“Scott has kept his skin-folds down during the past nine weeks and while people should not expect too much in his return game we think he can come in and be a good contributor for us.”

Lucas suffered a Grade 3 tear to his PCL in his left knee (his kicking leg) in Round 1 against North Melbourne.