Joe Misiti (foot) and Jason Johnson (back) both returned to the side on Saturday night after missing the previous week with injury. Both got through the game unscathed and will be certain starters against Melbourne this week. ""With Joe and Jason only missing a game, there was no effect on their match fitness. They both slotted back into the team without any problems,"" fitness coach John Quinn said.
Dean Rioli played his first game in three weeks on Saturday night after incurring a three week suspension. The 25-year-old worked extremely hard on the track during his suspension and dropped 3.5 kilos. ""Rioli returned in great physical shape after his suspension and this helped him come straight back into the team. His fitness will benefit greatly from the game and will only improve in forthcoming weeks.""
It had been over 18 months since Essendon supporters had seen the number three guernsey out on the field. Aaron Henneman played his first senior game since returning from a groin injury and gave the team another tall forward option on Saturday night. The 22-year-old only had a total of 30 minutes game time but did some positive things in that time including spending time in the ruck. ""We were rapt with his strength and run Aaron gave the team. With four games under his belt now (three VFL and one senior appearance) he will only get better,"" Quinn said.
Joel Reynolds missed the match against Brisbane with lower abdominal soreness and is set to miss one more week with the injury. Jordan Bannister is still recovering from surgery to repair his broken collarbone and unfortunately will not play again this season. Jobe Watson is also on the injury list.He was sidelined with groin soreness last week and depending on his progress this week on the training track may miss one more.
Essendon will have a light training session this afternoon at Windy Hill and then a higher intensity session on Wednesday at 3pm.
