""I think too much is being left to James Hird aroud the half forward line area and for that reason I think we need Matthew Lloyd to play centre half forward,"" Sheedy said. ""If that is the case, Courtney Johns might be able to play out of the goalsquare.""
Ben Haynes has already been elevated from the rookie list to replace the injured Jordan Bannister. Joel Reynolds - who has had groin surgery - is also on the long-term injury list. Essendon therefore has the option of promoting a second rookie. But if they take up that option, it has to happen before Round 19 under AFL rules.
Should Johns be elevated and play against the Western Bulldogs it will be the completion of a remarkable story. A chronic hip injury in under 18 football had medical specialists telling him he would basically never play football again. But Essendon's fitness staff have worked dilligently with Johns and he has made excellent progress this season. He is a big, strong body and Lloyd has previously commented on how impressed he has been with Johns' leading.
A bag of goals this afternoon would almost certainly assure Johns plays senior football next weekend. If you can't get to this afternoon's VFL match at Kramer Street, Preston (where Bendigo play the Northern Bullants), tune into Bomber Radio from 8pm tonight on Sport 927.
