Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell returned to full training on Monday morning following a one-week lay off with back spasms.

Heppell joined teammates for a skills session at the True Value Solar Centre appearing to move with relative freedom.

The young Bombers midfielder received medical treatment last Monday for back spasms, which saw him rested from all training duties throughout the week.

The team took part in a number of contested ball drills before moving into a full ground match simulation session.

Heppell is now in line for the club’s first pre-season match against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium next Monday night.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson last week indicated the club would not field its strongest side against the Suns but would be aiming to win every game throughout the pre-season.

Thompson hinted it was likely that captain Jobe Watson and Crichton Medalist Brendon Goddard would miss Monday’s clash.

“We will probably play our more experienced guys in the last two matches,” Thompson said.

“Most of the guys will play, because we will have 40 to pick from so it is not a bad thing because we are quite healthy at this stage.

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