The Bombers earned the week off after defeating Richmond in last Friday's Qualifying Final and it will prove a huge bonus for young defender Aaron Henneman. Henneman would have struggled to be available for the Bombers had they been forced to front up this weekend. The youngster injured his hamstring during Essendon's round 21 clash with West Coast. He has recovered exceptionally well and was running freely just nine days later but he would still have been a doubtful starter this weekend under the Bombers no-risk policy with injured players.

""He'll certainly be available for selection and that is very good news,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""He has worked very hard on his rehabilitation and given himself every chance to play. His attitude has been excellent."" It is a double dose of good news for the Bombers with Gary Moorcroft now also available for selection having completed his two-match suspension.

Drain said the availablility of the two would pose some pleasant problems for selectors. ""All being well over the next two weeks we should have a full list to choose from for the Preliminary Final,"" Drain said. ""Aaron (Henneman) and Gary (Moorcroft) are both very good players and there are others who will also be closely considered.""