Following Essendon’s 4-point victory over Sydney on Saturday, head of medical services Megan Smith provides an update on our list’s health and highlights some individual performances. 

Performance

Co-captain Steph Cain topped the total distance covered on Saturday, with 8.2 kilometres and a work rate of 127 metres per minute. 

Cain also impressed with her intensity levels, with 25.2 per cent of her running completed at high speed, higher than the league average of 20 per cent and 125 metres per minute. 

Although she only played just over half the game, Jo Doonan’s intensity had great numbers for a small forward with 137 metres per minute and a 29.6 per cent at high speed. 

Sophie Van De Heuvel was strong across the backline with a work rate of 124 metres per minute and 26.6 per cent at high speed. 

Injury

In excellent news for our rehab group, Georgia Nanscawen, Jorja Borg and Eloise Ashley-Cooper will start running this week following their injuries, with Ashley-Cooper returning via the AlterG machine. 

Ellyse’s calf injury is progressing well and on track for a round ten return. She will start to integrate into drills at the end of the week.