Watson, who has been dogged with injury, could be a key part of Essendon’s push back up the ladder in 2006 and the early season news in good. Thigh and hamstring injuries have caused him major problems in the early stages of his career but his running results thus far would suggest he may finally have rid himself of these soft tissue injuries.
Jay Neagle – the 17-year-old son of Merv Neagle - has also progressed well in the early stages of pre-season. Still very raw, Neagle has trimmed up considerably since he was first introduced to the Essendon fans on Crichton Medal night. He completed yesterday’s hill session in good style and stayed in touch with his more seasoned counterparts.
A 3.2km time trial was also held around Princes Park yesterday. Steven Greene and Chris Heffernan – both hoping to be picked up in the pre-season draft – both performed well. Both still face an anxious wait as they wait to see what falls out come the pre-season draft on Tuesday, December 13th.
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In other news, Ricky Dyson has been released from hospital but is not expected to return to training this week. Dyson was bashed in Port Melbourne last weekend when alone and waiting for a taxi following a function with friends.
""I have visited Ricky and spoken with him on the phone and his spirits are improving. He is still very sore and we don't expect to see him at the club this week,"" Essendon general manager of football operations Dom Cato said.
""We really are quite relieved to be honest. The injuries are certainly serious but it could have been far worse so we are thankful for that. It won't significantly impact on his pre-season from a football point of view.""
