Essendon could be bolstered by the return of Dustin Fletcher and Courtenay Dempsey from injury for Thursday night’s match against West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

The 38-year-old veteran missed the match against Gold Coast in Round 12 with groin tightness however is expected to make the trip west.

“Fletch was just a little bit tight and we didn’t want to risk him so the bye came at a really good time for him,” Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio said.

“The break has worked well for him and he has trained strongly today so we would expect him to be available for selection.”

Dempsey trained strongly in the team’s main training session on Monday morning, putting pressure on the coaches to select him for the big task against West Coast this week after missing the last two rounds.

“He trained well once again today and will put up his hand so it comes down to whether or not the coaches are comfortable with picking him in the side,” Alessio said.

“That is what he is working on now and it is the decision that the coaches need to make; whether he is right and at the level they want for him to be part of the team.”

Key forward Michael Hurley copped a knock to his scaphoid bone against Gold Coast last round but is expected to take on the Eagles.

The 23-year-old utility had scans clearing him of any serious damage to his previously injured wrist.

“The bye came right at the right time for Hurles after the way he hurt his wrist in the last game,” Alessio said.

“That week off has done a world of good for him, he trained strongly today so we would expect him to be playing against West Coast.