Essendon could welcome back a number of stars for Friday night’s top of the table clash against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Heath Hocking (calf), David Zaharakis (back) and JasonWinderlich (soreness) are all in line to return from injury against the Hawks.

Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio confirmed the trio were all in line for a recall for Friday night’s blockbuster.

“All those guys who have been out in the last couple of weeks we will test thoroughly because it is a big game and we want to make sure we don’t go in carrying anyone,” Alessio said.

“They will all be tested thoroughly during the week and if they get through they will play.”
“We have had our in and under players out so our players have done really well in the last few weeks to cover the loss virtually of three quarters of our midfield.”

Hocking has not played since Round 12 against Gold Coast after straining his calf in that game.

“Heath has been training really well over the last few weeks,” Alessio said.

“He is in full training and will be putting his hand up this week if all goes well throughout the week at training then he should be playing against Hawthorn.”

Zaharakis and Winderlich both took part in a recovery session at Windy Hill on Monday morning as they continue to push their claims.

Captain Jobe Watson is continuing his recovery from a broken collarbone as he takes part in non-contact training with the group.

“Jobe is going well as he is in full training without contact. When it is bone it is four to six weeks and so we will just take it as it comes.”

“He has been really happy with the progress from the surgery in terms of the cuts and the wound which has healed really well so he is tracking really well.”

Hal Hunter is having scans to assess the damage to an ankle injury that saw him stretchered from the field in Sunday afternoon’s VFL win and Kyle Hardingham will be monitored throughout the week after hurting his shoulder late in the match.