Essendon goes into next Saturday night's first semi-final against Port Adelaide with an almost injury-free list to choose from. Apart from Adam Ramanauskas, Essendon selectors will be in an enviable position when they sit down to pick this weekend's side. Dean Solomon (rolled ankle) and Matthew Lloyd (bruised hip) were the only minor hiccups for the Bombers out of last Friday's match. But they will both play next weekend.

So can the Bombers recover in time for next weekend's match? Well they have a few things on their side. Firstly, and most importantly, Essendon has an eight-day break going into the match. Port Adelaide on the other hand has a six-day break. Late in last Friday's game, the Essendon coaching staff also had the luxury of resting a number of players, including the star of the show in James Hird.

""We are pretty happy with the way the boys have pulled up. I think we got our preparation and recovery right in this trip. The fact we basically have an extra 48 hours to get over the game as compared to Port Adelaide is also a bonus,"" Essendon fitness coach John Quinn said.

""We have a little bit of work to do with Dean Solomon's ankle but I am very confident he will be okay. Lloyd's hip isn't even an issue. I think it was an enormous bonus that we were also able to take players like James hird and David Hille off the ground late in the game - that will hold them in good stead for next weekend.""

Following last Friday night's win, the Bombers spent half an hour in the surf at Cottesloe Beach as part of their recovery on Saturday. Apart from the expected bumps and bruises the squad was in good shape and in good spirits. It's all systems go for next Saturday night.