While the absence of Travis Colyer and Tom Bellchambers will hurt the Bombers push for the finals, there are a host of players returning from injury over the coming weeks.

Heath Hocking will play his first match of the season this weekend. 

The tough on-baller had persistent groin trouble over the off-season, but he’s now back in full training. 

“He’s been in pretty heavy training now for four weeks and he’s done a lot of cardio work to get him ready,” Essendon Doctor Bruce Reid said.

After the lengthy layoff, Hocking is likely to resume in the VFL against Port Melbourne on Saturday. 

Also returning this weekend will be David Zaharakis.

The goal-kicking midfielder has missed the last five matches because of an ankle problem.

The 25 year old was a chance of playing against West Coast before the bye, but said last week the extra time on the sideline has the ankle feeling ‘amazing’.

“He’s back in full training so he’ll play this week,” Dr Reid said.

David Myers is now just three weeks away from returning from a shoulder injury. 

The West Australian dislocated his shoulder in the first match of the season against Sydney.

“He’s done training, but he hasn’t done contact up until now,” Dr Reid said.

Jake Long has recovered from a broken thumb.

The 19 year-old Rookie List player has missed the last five matches but could resume as early as this week. 

Jason Winderlich and Nick Kommer have made successful returns through the VFL over the last few weeks.

Winderlich has played the last two matches, while Kommer played a half in his return to the field against Frankston nine days ago.