A quartet of experienced Bombers are among several players on track to be made available for Essendon’s massive elimination final against West Coast on Thursday week.
Captain Dyson Heppell (foot), important defender Cale Hooker (illness) and dynamic forwards Jake Stringer (soreness) and Orazio Fantasia (hip) were all unavailable for the side’s narrow loss to Collingwood last week, but signs are positive ahead of the huge final on September 5.
Club physical performance manager Justin Crow said the four leaders have each made good progress and are expected to take their place against the reigning premier.
“‘Hepp’, Stringer, ‘Hooksy’ and ‘Raz’ all didn’t play, but they’re all good and training,” Crow said on Tuesday.
“They will take part in full training on Thursday and we’re expecting them all to be available.”
Two-time All Australian Michael Hurley has not been ruled out of a potential spot in the side to take on the Eagles despite suffering a dislocated shoulder against the Magpies that will eventually require surgery.
“He has had a shoulder dislocation and he will need surgery at the end of the season.
“Although it’s a short turnaround, his progress will be tracked through this week and there is still some possibility he will be available to play.”
Michael Hurley's night is over after injuring his right shoulder late in the second quarter.#AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/zfcZdWK0zh
— AFL (@AFL) August 23, 2019
There are no concerns about young defender Aaron Francis’ availability following a minor ankle injury suffered in second term of the loss last Friday. Francis played out the game and Crow said he is tracking well this week.
“Aaron suffered a minor ankle sprain against Collingwood, but he is expected to train with the main group on Thursday and be made available.”
The news is also positive for mid-season recruit Will Snelling who has overcome the foot soreness that has kept him on the sidelines since an impressive performance in the senior team against Port Adelaide in round 20.
Crow said the tough onballer is expected to be available for the VFL side’s qualifying final against Richmond at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday, but it also allows coaches the option to consider the 22-year-old for AFL selection.
“Will will be a chance to return either for the VFL game this week or the AFL game next week.
“The way he is progressing, he should be available for selection this weekend.”
Will Snelling could return in either the VFL or AFL finals. (Image: AFL Photos)
Crow said ruckman Tom Bellchambers has recovered well from his return against Collingwood, while fellow ruck Zac Clarke is also aiming to be available on the selection table for the elimination final as he recovers from bone stress in his fibula.
The club has not ruled a line through experienced midfielder David Zaharakis’ season yet, with the prospect of a return late in the finals series still on the agenda should the side perform well.
“David’s surgery went well. He sees a specialist again this week and if we go deep in the finals, there is still a ray of hope.”
Noah Gown (foot), Irving Mosquito (hamstring), Joe Daniher (groin), Devon Smith (knee), Sam Draper (knee), Matt Guelfi (knee), James Stewart (groin) and Kobe Mutch (knee) round out the injury list.
