Essendon ruckman Zac Clarke and emerging forward Jayden Laverde are expected to be available for selection in the Bombers’ important clash with Gold Coast on Sunday.
Both players missed last week’s comeback victory over Adelaide, but early signs are positive for the pair who have overcome illness and back soreness respectively.
“Zac’s tracking well, he was able to come in and do some training on Friday – some light running and light weights,” club physical performance manager Justin Crow said on Tuesday.
“He had a gastrointestinal issue, which is resolved. He’ll be in the main session this week and we expect him to be available.
“Jayden is good, he’s done all of the training this week.
“He had a knock to the back the week prior to the Adelaide game (against North Melbourne). He’s up and going and will be available.
Laverde should be ready to fire this weekend after overcoming back soreness. (Image: AFL Photos)
The availability of star Bombers Dyson Heppell and Orazio Fantasia for Sunday’s match is less certain.
Heppell pushed through some foot pain in an inspirational performance against the Crows last Friday, while Fantasia missed out due to a minor hip injury, and both Dons have some boxes to tick to prove their fitness for the game against the Suns.
“We have nine days (from the clash with Adelaide) into the Gold Coast game,” Crow said.
“We’re assessing both of those players day by day and we’ll be giving match committee the best information after main training on Thursday about whether or not Dyson or Orazio are available for that game.”
Regular ruckman Tom Bellchambers continues to make steady progress in his rehabilitation from a calf strain suffered in the Bombers’ defeat of Greater Western Sydney in round 15.
“We re-scanned Tom’s calf, it shows that it’s healing.
“He’s been slow, he’s still not running – he’ll do that when he’s able – but he’s showing some progression in terms of his ability to take weight through those legs.”
Tom Bellchambers is still approximately five weeks away from returning from his calf injury. (Image: AFL Photos)
Crow said young Bomber Irving Mosquito is “progressing well” in his recovery from a hamstring strain, but the small forward’s return is still to be confirmed once he is back at The Hangar following a trip home to Halls Creek due to personal reasons.
“He’s ducked back to Halls Creek for a funeral and he’ll be back with us in another week’s time. Then we’ll see where he’s at and keep building him up from there.”
Michael Hurley (shoulder), Kobe Mutch (knee), James Stewart (groin), Joe Daniher (groin), Devon Smith (knee) and Sam Draper (knee) round out the injury list.
