Essendon forward Mitch Brown is expected to be available for selection this weekend after missing last Sunday’s clash with Adelaide.

Brown was left out of the team because of a groin problem, but the former Cat was able to train over the weekend and looks set for a return this week.

“(His groins) weren’t quite right, sometimes we can see a drop off in strength that can worry us,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said.

“We took a conservative approach with Mitch and he’s done some good training over the weekend.

“He’ll be in full training later in the week and we’re expecting him to be ok to play this week.”

Brown has kicked 19 goals this season to sit third on the Club’s goal kicking table. 

Another former Geelong player, Mathew Stokes, could also be in line for a return against his former side.

Stokes hasn’t played since round 15 because of a groin injury, but he will train this week and is expected to be available.

Nathan Grima is also expected to be available after overcoming a hip injury.

The former North Melbourne player has steadily built up his training loads and is likely to return through the VFL when the side meets Casey on Saturday night.