Essendon rookie forward, John Williams, will return for Bendigo's ANZAC Day match against Collingwood on Sunday following a one match suspension for charging while fellow forward Jay Neagle will also play after being rested last week with concussion.

Josh Bowe, a veteran at just 22, is another excellent inclusion to the Bendigo Bombers squad and will play his first game of the season.
 
“Bowe is excited to be named in the squad this week. It will be his first game for the year with Bendigo, he’s been a terrific on-baller for us for the past four years, and we’re sure he’ll fit in well with the new guys in team. It will be great to have him back,” Coach Adrian Hickmott said.

Hickmott says he's feeling confident going into the game because of the consistency of players such as Bendigo veteran Paul Scanlon, and Essendon listed Cale Hooker and Tyson Slattery.

“They’ve been playing really hard; it’s really promising for the team. These guys are probably our greatest asset at the moment. Each week their game just keeps improving. I’m really happy with their progress,"" he said.
 
""Cale and Tyson will be in excellent form to join the Essendon seniors’ side in the not too distant future and look out when they do.

“On top of these guys, I’m really proud of Flaherty. He is taking his captaincy role very seriously, and is a excellent mentor for the younger players.”

Also playing great footy at the moment is Stuart Crameri, named best on ground in Round 1 against the Northern Bullants.

“Crameri has been playing consistent footy, but I think he’s holding back a little, I would love to see him really take off and show us what he is made of,” Hickmott said.

“There are a few guys from Collingwood who are showing good form at the moment, Brad Dick has been playing really well, and kicked four goals last week, so we’ll probably match him with someone like Blair Holmes or Kade Kempke who can keep him a bit more contained.

“The team is still feeling fresh - once they settle down, start organising themselves and understanding the complexities of teamwork, they’ll be a more competitive side.

“ANZAC Day matches are always a thrill; the game, the atmosphere and a chance to reflect on our history as Australians, it’s a moving experience being out on the ground with the bugle playing the last post. ”

Other players named in the side this week are Michael Quinn, back from playing in the AFL seniors and Ricky Dyson. James Bristow, Kye Miller and Peter Harrison are all out from Bendigo, while David Myers and Sam Lonergan have moved up to play in AFL this week.

Sunday’s ANZAC day match starts at 2pm at QEO, Bendigo.