Essendon could be set for a huge boost for its Saturday night clash with West Coast, with forwards Jake Stringer and ruckman Sam Draper on the verge of being available for selection.
Stringer (hamstring) and Draper (ankle) have missed two and eight weeks respectively but have made significant leaps in their rehabilitation to be listed as test for the Bombers' trip to Perth.
Head of high performance Sean Murphy said Stringer and Draper would most likely be available for selection if they can train strongly before the Bombers fly west.
“Draper and Stringer will be a test for this weekend,” Murphy told Dons Digital’s Liberty Financial Performance Update.
“All being well, they’ll get through training this week and should be available for this weekend.”
Another positive for the Dons is the return of young key defender Zach Reid, who should line up for the VFL Bombers against Williamstown at Downer Oval on Sunday.
Murphy said the 19-year-old had made a quick recovery from glandular fever and would likely face the Seagulls following a strong several-week training block.
“Young 'Reidy' has gone through a nice little build-up post-glandular fever and hasn’t missed a beat for the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“He’ll look to train fully this week and be available to play most likely for this Sunday’s VFL game against Williamstown.”
Murphy also touched on incredible individual performances from Zach Merrett, Nik Cox and Nick Hind during the Bombers’ 72-point win over North Melbourne.
Watch round 11’s Liberty Financial Performance Update below.
INJURY LIST - ROUND 11
PLAYER | INJURY | ESTIMATED RETURN |
Josh Eyre | Concussion | Available |
Jake Stringer | Hamstring | Test |
Zach Reid | Illness | Test |
Sam Draper | Ankle | Test |
Devon Smith | Hamstring | Medium term |
Tom Cutler | Calf | Medium term |
Dylan Clarke | Ankle | Medium term |
Michael Hurley | Illness | Long term |
Jye Caldwell | Hamstring | Long term |
Dylan Shiel | Knee | Long term |
Irving Mosquito | Knee | Long term |
Kaine Baldwin | Knee | Long term |
Updated Tuesday, May 25 |