Key forward James Stewart should be available for Essendon’s blockbuster ANZAC Day match against Collingwood next Wednesday.
Stewart left the ground late in the last quarter of the Bombers’ victory over Port Adelaide last week, but Essendon Physical Performance Manager Justin Crow says the former Giant should take his place.
“James had a light roll of the ankle late in the game towards the end of the match (and) pulled up really well the next day with minimal swelling,” Crow said in the SKINS Injury Update on Wednesday.
“He’s been strapped up (and) did a little bit of light skills today.
“Our main session’s on Sunday and we’ll expect him to complete that and be available for the match on ANZAC Day.”
Mitch Brown was a late withdrawal from the clash against the Power and Crow’s news was not as positive for the key defender.
“Mitch Brown had calf tightness in our main session last week and we tested him before the game, which he didn’t pass.
“We’ve scanned it, he has a low-grade soleus strain, which is about a four-week prognosis.
“We’re looking at him potentially returning, probably best case, around the Carlton game (in round eight).”
Two previously injured Bombers returned last week in the VFL, both making successful comebacks.
Patrick Ambrose played a full game with a guard and had no trouble with his recovering wrist, but is set for another week on the sidelines after suffering a suspension.
Small defender Ben McNiece also pressed his claims for a return to the senior side, showing no signs of his recent hamstring concern.
“Ben had his return from injury in the VFL. He played a full game (and) got to his top speeds,” Crow said.
“We’re really happy with how he rolled out in that match and he’ll obviously have a slightly lighter week on the track this week and then be available to play on the weekend.”
Fellow defender Matt Dea is also tracking well in his recovery from a leg injury and could be available within the next fortnight.
“Matt Dea’s progressing well, he’s had a couple of running sessions.
“Obviously we’re managing a low-grade bone stress issue in his fibula.
“He’s doing very well, he’ll be ballpark available for the Melbourne game if we need him, but most-likely the following week.”
Crow also explained how the side will prepare for ANZAC Day and look to overcome its frantic upcoming schedule, with the Bombers facing Melbourne just four days after the Collingwood game in a run of three matches from 11 days.
“Over the lead in to ANZAC Day we are having short bursts of high-intensity training, which we see as really important heading into that match and throughout the season.
“The players should go into that match very fit and fresh, we’ll come out of the game, do our best recovery, get some training in the day before we take on Melbourne and we’re expecting to take a fit and strong squad into that match a few days later.”
