Key forward Stewart Crameri will undergo scans in the next 24 hours, after dislocating his right shoulder during Essendon’s 57 point loss against West Coast on Saturday.

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General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the club’s current leading goal kicker will see a shoulder specialist in the next day to determine the full extent of the injury.

“With Stew, unfortunately it doesn’t look likely that he will be available this week, and whether he is made available at all will be determined in the next 24 hours,” Hamilton said.

“He is having scans later today and is also seeing a surgeon so we will work out what the process is from there.

""We are resigned to the fact that he will need an operation of some sort – whether we hold it out for a couple of weeks or keep him playing are the questions being asked at the moment,” he said.

Captain Jobe Watson and vice-captain Andrew Welsh, who were both on the receiving ends of heavy knock's during Saturday’s clash, will face further concussion tests later this week.

“There are always concerns surrounding concussions and they both suffered from that on the weekend. Andrew’s knock was slightly more severe than Jobe’s but they have both pulled up reasonably well,” Hamilton said.

“We will test them today and again later in the week. We don’t want to take any risks but we will monitor them and we will make a decision from there but the early signs are good.

“We’d love to have our captain and vice-captain available for what is a very important game.”

Despite Essendon’s injury woes, the Bombers could welcome back a number of key players this week. Hamilton said key defenders Tayte Pears and Michael Hurley are strong chances to return to the field for the crucial clash against Port Adelaide.

“Again, they both have to get through a week of training so while there are no guarantees, Michael should be available and Tayte, we would expect to play as well.”
 
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Hamilton told BomberTV speedy forward Travis Colyer was also a chance to return this week, following ligament damage sustained to his lower leg.

“Travis is well ahead of schedule – he was a chance to play last week but there was a little risk factor so we didn't play him. He will be right to play and will be available for selection this week, either at a senior or reserve level.”

In further injury news, wounded trio Jason Winderlich, Sam Lonergan and Courtenay Dempsey are making significant progress with their recovery programs.

“Those lads are ahead of schedule at the moment and are all tracking really well. They would all love to be out there and involved, but they are doing what they can in terms of their own rehab,” Hamilton said.

The Bombers face Port Adelaide in a highly-anticipated Sunday twilight clash at Etihad Stadium.

“We have a few boys that are very sore but we have an eight day break coming back from Perth but we will asses things as the week goes on.
 
“The equation is pretty simple. If we win, we’re in the finals so this game does mean a lot to it,” Hamilton said.

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