First year Essendon player Gach Nyuon is expected to make a quick return to full training, despite being assisted from the ground during last week’s intra-club match. 

Nyuon was the Bombers first pick in last year’s rookie draft, and he gave those in attendance at Friday's intra-club match a glimpse of his athleticism before rolling his ankle in a marking contest. 

“Fortunately over the weekend his swelling has improved,” Essendon Physical Performance Manager Justin Crow said.

“It seems like a simple ankle sprain, we expect him to play in the next 1-2 weeks.” 

Another draftee, Yestin Eades has also had a minor hiccup in his preparation for the season. 

“Yestin Eades came in with some quad tightness,” Crow said.

“We had that scanned and it turns out there is a minor strain there, so Yestin won’t be available over the next couple of weeks.”

Jayden Laverde didn’t play in the intra-club game after hurting his foot last Wednesday, but he was back in full training today.

While Matthew Leuenberger is nearing a return to the main group after building up his training program over the last few weeks.

“Matthew Leuenberger came back after Christmas with a flare up in his Achilles,” Crow said.

“We sought some outside counsel from experts in the field as well, so we’re confident in his program.

“We’re taking a long-term approach to do the best thing by Matthew.

“We’re expecting him, all going well, to become available and get back into training over the next week.

“In terms of when he plays, we’ll just do the best thing for Matthew over the long-term.”