Veteran Essendon ruckman Steven Alessio will front the VFL tribunal this week after being reported for striking during the Bendigo Bombers' 14-point win over Werribee yesterday. Alessio was charged with striking Aaron Rau during the first quarter. A suspension would be costly for Alessio who appeared certain to return to the Bombers' senior side to play Brisbane next weekend. Alessio had 15 possessions, took four marks and kicked a crucial late goal to be among Bendigo's best players.

Should Alessio be suspended, it will the second time in the past three weeks that Essendon will have lost a senior player through suspension in the VFL. Mark Mercuri has just completed a two-match suspension after he was found guilty of striking against Geelong.

Alessio's suspension aside, it was another good day for the much improved Bendigo outfit. Fours wins on the trot has them well and truly in the hunt for a finals' berth. Aaron Henneman - playing his third match for the season following groin surgery - was outstanding for the winners across the half back line.

Essendon has the option of promoting a rookie onto the senior list with Jordan Bannister now on the long-term injury list after breaking his collarbone. Yesterday it was on-baller Ben Haynes and key forward Courtney Johns who put their hand up. Haynes collected 27 possessions and kicked three goals in a best on ground performance. Johns came off the bench at half time to kick four match-winning goals. Shane Harvey was another excellent contributor getting 23 touches and kicking one goal.

Full statistics from yesterday's game will be on-line tomorrow.