Exciting young Essendon big man Joe Daniher will make his debut in the red and black during the NAB Cup after resuming full training with the club following minor knee surgery.
Essendon General Manager Football Danny Corcoran said Daniher had recovered well from they surgery he had prior to Christmas and was set to take the field.
“Joe has joined in full training and is ready to play and he will probably see some NAB Cup action,” Corcoran said.
“He is pretty impressive, well and truly into the routines now of being an AFL player and he is a real pro.”
The Bombers came out of Friday night’s NAB Cup opener unscathed and in a further boost for the club midfield trio Jobe Watson, David Zaharakiss and Ben Howlett are fit to take part in the club’s Round two NAB Cup match on March 2.
“Next game against Richmond in Wangaratta we are certainly hoping to have Jobe, Zakka and Howlett all play so they are welcome additions into the midfield,” Corcoran said.
“We think Jake Melksham will be a week after that with his hand but he will certainly see some NAB Cup action.”
Watson will return after suffering a minor knee strain at training a fortnight ago while Zaharakis has recovered fully from his quad strain.
“It was a different spot from last year which was good news for us but we will be cautious with Zakka,” Corcoran said.
“He is getting through all his rehab and is ready to go but we will monitor him pretty carefully.”
Corcoran admitted the club was taking a cautious approach with all it’s injured players as they looked to get the best team on the field for round one of the home and away season.
“There is always a bit of that (caution) involved with pre-season competition but generally if they can’t compete in full contact at training we wouldn’t risk them.”
“They are all ready to return and well and truly into that (contact) work now.”
Key forward Scott Gumbleton is also expected to get game time throughout the NAB Cup after suffering a setback earlier this pre-season with a hamstring strain.
“Gumby is good, he is back in full training and will see some NAB Cup action we think so all is going well there,” Corcoran said.
“Fingers crossed he can get a good run and start to play some serious games of football into him."
Groin tightness kept Jason Winderlich out of Essendon's first NAB Cup outing but he is expected to be one of several key inclusions against Richmond in two weeks.
