As a result of a knee to the calf against Richmond in Round 7, James Hird suffered severe bleeding into the muscle. He then developed a small blood clot in a superficial vein of the calf muscle. This condition does not involve the deep veins of the calf and only requires he take asprin. His condition will be reviewed by a physician tomorrow. Hird is likely to miss this week’s match against Port Adelaide.

Hird left the ground immediately following the knock which was sustained in the first quarter of the Bombers' match against Richmond. He did not re-appear for the remainder of the game. Even if Hird does miss again, the Bombers will still be strengthened for this weekend's all-important match against Port Adelaide. Dean Rioli is a certain starter while Matthew Lloyd and Dustin Fletcher are both expected to be fit to play.