Essendon is set to receive a much-needed boost for Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs with a number of experienced players in line for a return.
Brendon Goddard, Heath Hocking and Tom Bellchambers headline a list of players pushing for a recall from injury to the senior side.
Club doctor Bruce Reid said Hocking was expected to return to the team to tackle the Dogs at Etihad Stadium.
“Heath had minor tendonitis so we took a precautionary line there and we expect him to play,” Reid said.
“He was out having a run around today, he is much better this week. We will push him Wednesday but I think he will play.”
Goddard also rejoined his teammates on the training track on Monday, moving freely and without restriction from a groin strain.
“Brendon had a slight strain, it was at the lowest end, and he probably could have played if it was day 14 but unfortunately our game fell on day 12,” Reid said.
“We took a conservative approach but we do expect him to play this weekend.”
Bellchambers played his first full match at VFL level against Collingwood on Saturday since his return from an ankle operation.
“Tom is ready to go so will be up for senior selection depending on what the coaches decide to do.”
“His ankle is going very well, we are very happy with that as it was a pretty major injury.”
In a further boost to the club’s stocks, Patrick Ambrose also made a successful return from a quad injury in Saturday’s VFL loss.
Midfielder David Myers is expected to miss at least the next fortnight with a grade one hamstring strain that saw him miss Anzac Day’s loss to Collingwood, while small forward Nick Kommer is showing strong signs in his recovery from a chronic patella tendonitis injury.
Reid said Kommer would be tested over the next few weeks to hopefully show his readiness to return.
“Nick Kommer has had very chronic patella tendonitis and he is at the stage now where we are pushing him up.”
“If he gets through that then we are hoping that he plays within two to three weeks.”
“But if he goes backwards then we need to consider all options including surgery.”
