Essendon Coach John Worsfold expects Cale Hooker to play in a VFL practice match this week.

The All-Australian defender didn’t feature in the JLT Community Series but Worsfold said he’s been able to build up a strong fitness base.

“He’s unbelieveably fit, he’s been working that hard,” Worsfold said.

“There is every chance he’ll play Friday night against Geelong for a hit out leading into round one.

“It’s not ideal but in terms of the work he’s done, it’s not like next week is his first big hit out – he’s had two or three weeks of really high workloads.

“He’ll be fit, he just won’t have had a lot of game time and match play under his belt.”

The Bombers lost Matthew Leuenberger to a hamstring injury in the final JLT Community Series match against Geelong.

In his absence Shaun McKernan was prominent, collecting 21 possessions. 

He shapes as a potential replacement for Leuenberger for the round one blockbuster against Hawthorn.

“He’s done it before, a couple of years ago he carried the ruck a fair bit,” Worsfold said.

“He didn’t get as many opportunities last year but he still did ok.

“That’s what he’s in our squad for.”

Fellow big man Tom Bellchambers is nearing full fitness following knee surgery earlier this year.

Like Hooker, he could play his in first competitive hit out in the VFL this week.

“He’s a chance to play on Friday night … he’s done the work and it ready to go physically and mentally,” Worsfold said.

“He hasn’t done as much work as Cale Hooker in the last couple of weeks but he has done enough to say he’s available to play.

“Now we work out what our best line-up is looking like for round one and prepare for the Hawks.

“The boys are going to be up and about ready to take it on.”