Jason Winderlich is in line for a senior recall after a strong return in the VFL on Saturday.

The Bombers forward played his first game since injuring his hamstring in the NAB Challenge and got through the contest well, playing three quarters before sitting out the last term.

The 29-year-old kicked three goals and set up plenty of other opportunities in Essendon's two-point defeat to Richmond's VFL side in a practice match at the True Value Solar Centre.

He played predominantly as a deep forward with short stints further up the ground, and said post-game he has targeted a senior comeback against Carlton next Sunday.

"I hope to be back but it just depends how I pull up, but I got through absolutely fine and my legs feel fine now," Winderlich said.

"I probably could have played last night [in Essendon's loss to Hawthorn] but I spoke to (coach) 'Bomber' [Thompson] on Wednesday and asked if I could have a run in the VFL first to get a bit of confidence."

Winderlich, who has battled soft-tissue injuries since his knee reconstruction at the start of 2011, said the opportunity to play VFL helped ease him into playing again.

"The club were great and let me play today and now hopefully I can play seniors next week," he said.

Essendon's VFL coach Hayden Skipworth praised Winderlich, who also provided strong leadership to a group of younger forwards throughout the contest.

"He presented well and shared the ball. He could have had four or five shots at goal but passed them off, and he created a lot of scoring opportunities for us," Skipworth said.

"He was running flat out and didn't look restricted at all. Jason will no doubt be spoken about at match committee (for next week's game against Carlton) but whether he plays, that's not my call."

The Bombers have been reluctant to push Courtenay Dempsey into senior football after an interrupted pre-season but he too showed excellent signs for the majority of the game with dash off half-back.

Dempsey left the field midway through the final quarter after two long goals and didn't return, although Skipworth said the important Bomber had reached his prescribed game-time.

"As far as I know he was all good," Skipworth said.

Jake Melksham will return to the senior side next week after serving his two-week suspension and played well against the Tigers, while Leroy Jetta kicked five goals. Rookie ruckman Fraser Thurlow, who may come into contention against the Blues after Paddy Ryder's ankle injury, worked hard.

"Fraser's lucky in a sense that he has played in the NAB Challenge games and has had a little bit of a taste of AFL level, the intensity is different, but I'm sure he will also be discussed in match committee," Skipworth said.