Essendon could be bolstered by the return of Scott Gumbleton and Nathan Lovett-Murray for Sunday’s Round One clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

General Manager Football Operations Paul Hamilton said both players had put their hand up for selection.

“It’s a great selection dilemma for the match committee because we do have Scott Gumbleton available and we do have Nathan Lovett- Murray available,” Hamilton told the Recovery Room on BomberTV.

“There are a lot of players that probably deserve a game but we can only pick 22 and we have to pick the best 22 that we think can beat the Western Bulldogs.”

Hamilton said Gumbleton had finally overcome a number of niggling injuries sustained over the pre-season. 

“He’s back in full training, he’s just had some muscle soreness and tightness,” he said.

“He missed a lot of training coming back from a knee, he played Round One of NAB Cup, was always going to be rested Round Two and then he got a little bit of tightness coming into Round Three so it puts him a little bit behind I suppose.”

Speedster Alwyn Davey remains in contention to line up against the Bulldogs as he recovers from a hairline fracture in his arm.

Hamilton said the lively forward is a 50/50 chance to be available for selection.

“He is a really good chance to at least put his hand up for selection but he’s going to have to train well and get the all clear from the doctor and be comfortable with a certain pain level.” He said

“If he plays, he’ll wear a guard on his arm.”

Andrew Welsh continues his comeback from an abdominal strain and Hamilton said the midfielder was progressing well in his recovery.

 “When you have these sorts of problems they can take some time,” he said

“It’s a slow process, he’s increasing his load every week and he hasn’t had any mishaps as a result of that so we’re hoping he’s not far away.”