Forward Sam Weideman is likely to be available for round three selection provided he gets through Essendon’s main session on Thursday.
The 25-year-old missed the Bombers’ win over Gold Coast after suffering a toe injury in round one.
GM of Performance Daniel McPherson said the club is hopeful the athletic tall will be declared fully fit if he’s able to complete the Dons’ main training.
“He’s improved significantly over the weekend,” McPherson said.
“The hope is he’ll take part in Thursday’s main session and be available for selection.
Key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will be a test for Saturday after suffering a rolled ankle during the final quarter of round two.
The 23-year-old will look to train tomorrow which will help decide his availability for this weekend.
“’Thatch’ (Zerk-Thatcher) rolled his ankle late in the game,” McPherson said.
“It’s pulled up ok, we’re still hopefully that he’ll be a chance to play against St Kilda. We’ll have to see how he handles Thursday’s main training and decide post that.”
Young ruckman Nick Bryan will miss the next several weeks after injuring his hamstring at training.
The 21-year-old missed the VFL Bombers’ round one clash due to the injury.
“Nick picked up a hamstring injury training last Friday and he was obviously unable to take part in the round one VFL game,” McPherson said.
“It’s not a major strain, but it’s going to cost him two to three weeks.
In some promising news, first-year midfielder Elijah Tsatas is nearing a return to running as he recovers from a knee injury.
“Elijah is progressing strongly with his rehab, his range of motion is improving, as is his strength," McPherson said.
"He's on track to start running again in the next two to three weeks – it will be great to see him tick off another milestone in his road to recovery.”
Forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will not be available for selection this week as he continues his recovery from a quad injury.
