Essendon could welcome back the outside run of Jason Winderlich and David Zaharakis to cover the loss of Travis Colyer.

Both Winderlich and Zaharakis are back to full fitness after injury layoffs.

“Winderlich and Zaharakis are a chance, but we’ll work through training this week,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

Colyer has carried on his good form from the end of last season, kicking 11 goals in his 11 matches this season.

“Travy has had a reasonable to very good year.  His speed and his ability to use the ball and kick a goal have been terrific for us,” Hird said.

“We’re going to miss him, but that’s football.  We’re not the only team that has had some long-term injuries.

“It gives some of our younger players a chance.”

Heath Hocking will make his return through the VFL but Dustin fletcher is still another week away.

“Fletch is still a bit sore in his groin.  We’ll see how he goes today, but I probably don’t expect Fletch to come up this week,” Hird said.

The Bombers coach will consider Shaun McKernan and Jonathan Giles to fill the ruck void left by Tom Bellchambers.

Jake Carlisle did the majority of the tap work against West Coast but will be used sparingly in that role this week with the majority of his time to be spent in the forward half.

“We want him to kick more goals, he wants to kick more goals and take more marks and we’re working towards that,” Hird said.