General manager of football operations said the bye was a welcome opportunity to get a number of bodies right in the lead up to next week’s likely clash against Carlton.
“We actually see the bye as a bonus. We have to handle it correctly because there are some clubs that haven’t done well after byes but we do think it is a good chance for some of our boys to freshen up,” Hamilton said.
“It gives us a good chance to freshen up before the finals and get the players’ bodies right. It gives us a lot of time to focus and get things right in a number of areas. ”
Bomber veteran Dustin Fletcher, who was a late withdrawal before Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide, is a strong chance to be available next week after initial soreness in his ankle.
“Dustin should be fine. He pulled up sore in his ankle late last week and but the medical team said he was better off to be rested. We’re really confident he will be right for next week’s game,” he said.
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Hamilton told Bomber TV key forward Stewart Crameri underwent successful surgery to his dislocated shoulder last week and was on track to make a full recovery.
“Stewart is progressing really well after his surgery last week. It was obviously a major operation, and he is fine but it will take a few months to get him back to the level where he will want to be.”
Midfielder Sam Lonergan, who made a remarkable return from injury in the VFL, had a best on ground performance against the Coburg Tigers in the Bendigo Bombers' 57-point loss on Saturday.
“Most of us thought he wouldn’t play again for the year, and yet in the last round of the VFL he made a comeback,” Hamilton said.
“We knew he had been tracking well ahead schedule with his recovery but I think we were all surprised when the medical team declared him fit to play.
“Not only did he play, he performed incredibly well so it was really pleasing for Sam and all involved with his recovery.”
