Joint vice-captain Andrew McGrath is still a chance to take his place in Essendon’s side to face Carlton in the club’s 150-year celebration game on Friday night.

McGrath tweaked his groin during the Bombers' main training session on Saturday morning as the club continued to maintain fitness over the bye weekend.

Head of high performance Sean Murphy said McGrath was giving himself every possibility to ensure he is fit and available for the blockbuster clash, with a clearer selection picture to appear after Wednesday's main session.

“We trained on the weekend and unfortunately Andy’s just tweaked that groin,” Murphy told Essendon FC’s Liberty Financial Performance Update.

“It’s not too bad, but we’ll use the week to assess how that comes up by main training later in the week and his availability for Friday.

“He’s still a chance at this point.”

In very positive news, midfielder-forward Jake Stringer is looming as an availability for round 13’s contest.

Stringer has not played since round seven after suffering a hamstring strain during training.

After a cautious approach and passing several intense sessions, Murphy said the 28-year-old had done everything to be right for selection.

“’String’s’ at the back of his rehab now,” he said.

“He’s ticked off some good sessions over the last few weeks. Over the bye, he had a couple of solid sessions so he’s ready to go.

“He’ll train fully at Wednesday’s main training, and he’ll be up for selection this weekend.”

The news is similar for utility Matt Guelfi, who has also recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the Bombers’ Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

Guelfi will train fully this week and be available for selection barring any hiccups.

“The bye came at a good time (for him),” Murphy said.

“He only missed one week and then the bye came around and we were able to get some work into him.

“He’ll train fully later in the week and he’ll be up for selection as well.”

Murphy also touched on injury updates to Kyle Langford, Will Snelling, Patrick Voss and mid-season recruit Massimo D’Ambrosio.

Watch round 13’s Liberty Financial Performance Update below.

INJURY LIST - RD 13