Essendon players Tayte Pears and John Williams have been granted special permission to play in the Bendigo Bombers' VFL game against Collingwood this Friday afternoon at Gosch’s Paddock.
Bendigo Bombers coach Adrian Hickmott said the game will provide valuable game time for the players - in particular Pears who has been recovering from hip surgery late last year.
“It is a really good opportunity for Tayte and John to get some match time under their belts heading into the season,"" Hickmott said.
""We had to get special permission this week for our senior guys to take part in the VFL because it is a non-AFL weekend. The AFL have made an exception to the rule for players who have come back from injury or who have had an interrupted pre-season.
""The main reason behind giving the senior players a designated weekend off is so they can enjoy the rest and make sure their bodies aren't worked too hard.
""Tayte hasn't played in any of our practice matches this year because he has been recovering from injury so for him to be able to get that extra time into his body heading into the season is really pleasing.""
This week the Bendigo Bombers will focus on giving their younger first and second year players an opportunity to develop their skills and get some game time under their belts before round one.
“Playing our younger guys alongside two AFL players is a great experience,"" Hickmott said.
""Playing against some senior Collingwood players will also be a great opportunity for a young team and it will be a great experience for these guys who are still developing.""
The Bendigo Bombers match against Collingwood will kick off at 4pm, this Friday 20th March at Gosch's Paddock.
