Joe Misiti will resume full training on Wednesday night and at this stage is expected to be available for the 'must win' match against Brisbane. Misiti sprained his foot in the Round 14 match against St.Kilda and has not been able to do weight bearing activities since. ""Joe has spent time in the pool over the past 10 days in order to maintain his aerobic capacity. He can apply pressure on the foot now and he will recommence running and skill work on Wednesday,"" fitness coach John Quinn said.
Jason Johnson didn't make the trip across to Adelaide and was a late withdrawal from the match with back spasms. He has been having physiotherapy on his back over the weekend and is expected to play this weekend. ""We gave Jason every opportunity to get up for the match against Adelaide, however he didn't quite get over the line. The plane flight would have made his back worse as well so he was a late withdrawal. He should be back in full training this afternoon and we expect him to come back into the side.""
The skipper James Hird received a knock to his elbow when he landed awkwardly in the final quarter, however apart from mild soreness he is fine. ""James has full range of movement and there is no permanent damage. He will have scans today just to clear him of damage. He will train all week and we expect him to be available for the game against Brisbane,"" Quinn said.
Steve Alessio had a busy day in the VFL on Saturday. Alessio was charged for allegedly striking Aaron Rau during the first quarter of the Bendigo Bombers match against Werribee. Alessio also received a knock to the face but there is no structural damage and pending the tribunal verdict will be available to play this weekend. Mark Mercuri (two weeks) and Dean Rioli (three weeks) have both served their suspensions and are available for selection this weekend.
It will be a nervous wait for Dustin Fletcher and Damian Cupido when they face the AFL Tribunal tomorrow evening. Fletcher was reported in the dying minutes of the game for allegedly striking Brett Burton of Adelaide. Cupido will front the tribunal for engaging in rough play.
Essendon will have a light session on the track this afternoon at Windy Hill and then a more solid night on Wednesday. ""Wednesday will be our big session this week. We don't play until Saturday night so Wednesday's skill session will be intense. We will also have a closed session on Friday, which will be in preparation for the match,"" Quinn said.
