Essendon defender Nathan Lovett-Murray will be eyeing senior selection this weekend, following his successful return to the field last Friday via the VFL.
Lovett-Murray, who recently suffered a slight strain to his calf muscle, will be available in the lead up to Essendon’s highly anticipated Round 1 clash against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the 29-year-old would be made available pending fitness tests throughout the week.
“The main player coming back from injury is Nathan Lovett-Murray,” Hamilton said.
“He played a VFL practice match last Friday and got through that fine, so he is available to play and will be available for selection this week.
“Our new recruit Nick O’Brien has also come back from a minor quad injury so he’ll be available for selection as well which is pleasing.”
Lovett-Murray, who recently suffered a slight strain to his calf muscle, will be available in the lead up to Essendon’s highly anticipated Round 1 clash against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the 29-year-old would be made available pending fitness tests throughout the week.
“The main player coming back from injury is Nathan Lovett-Murray,” Hamilton said.
“He played a VFL practice match last Friday and got through that fine, so he is available to play and will be available for selection this week.
“Our new recruit Nick O’Brien has also come back from a minor quad injury so he’ll be available for selection as well which is pleasing.”
Hamilton said the extent of second-year player Michael Ross’s ankle injury was not as severe as previously thought.
“Michael is still recovering from the ligament damage to his ankle after last weekend’s game in the VFL,” Hamilton said.
“While the injury itself is quite cruel, the main thing is that we’re really happy that there is no break in his ankle so he’ll still be a couple of weeks off.”
Jason Winderlich will also be conservatively managed with his conditioning routine, as Hamilton said the 27 year-old would not be rushed back in to the Bombers’ side.
“Jason is doing really well – he did pull up sore after his first NAB Cup game but we’ll be conservative with his conditioning and we certainly won’t be rushing him back,” he said.
“While he is in doubt for this weekend, we’re really looking forward to having Jason back out on the field for the team.”
The Bombers face North Melbourne on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium in a Round 1 blockbuster clash.
“It’s really competitive for a spot in the side at the moment and that is ultimately what you want,” Hamilton said.
“North Melbourne have been in terrific form this pre-season. It is an exciting time and we all have a really strong understanding of the task ahead of us.”
