James Hird and Courtney Johns - the two injury concerns to come out of last weekend's practice match against Hawthorn - have both been named to play against Richmond in Mildura this Friday night. Jason Johnson has also been named and will play his first game of the pre-season while Dean Solomon returns from a knee injury.
Hird (corked calf) trained strongly this morning as did Courtney Johns who hurt a shoulder after landing awkwardly following a marking contest. Bomber fans will be particularly pleased for Johns who showed some real spark up forward in last week's game against Hawthorn. He marked strongly and kicked two goals - his return should have been four had he kicked straight.
The return of Jason Johnson is a timely boost for the Bombers with the season opener just two weeks away. Johnson has struggled with a foot injury for much of the pre-season but he is moving freely and coaching staff are pleased he will be able to get a game under his belt before the Bombers Round 1 clash with Sydney at The Dome.
Dean Solomon will also be pleased to get a game under his belt after overcoming a knee injury. Solomon had an arthroscope on his knee six weeks ago but is now moving freely.
Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd and full back Dustin Fletcher also return for the game while Scott Camporeale, Jobe Watson and Andrew Lovett have been rested.
Live score updates of the game will be available on essendonfc.com.au
Essendon's team for Friday night is:
Backs: McVeigh Fletcher Winderlich
Half Backs: Lovett-Murray McPhee Bradley
Centres: Stanton Slattery Solomon
Half Forwards: M. Johnson Lucas Hird
Forwards: Hille Lloyd Monfries
Rucks: Ryder J. Johnson Peverill
Bench: Welsh Bolton Johns Heffernan Nash Dempsey Dyson Lee Cole Cartledge
