You will often hear people joke about the famous ""Windy Hill Virus"" that sidelines Essendon players throughout the season. Eyebrows are raised at the mere mention of a virus and the wild speculation begins as to what is really wrong with a player. And while it is a running joke - particularly among the media - Dustin Fletcher didn't find too much funny about viral infections in the past two weeks.

The star full back was struck down with a genuine article. ""The virus started off in his eyes which were red and sore and it can occasionally get into the bloodstream which is what happened with Dustin. You then have the fever and aches and pains and it can last about 10 days,"" Essendon doctor Bruce Reid explained.

""It is also contagious which is why we kept him away from the club while he was getting over it."" The good news is that Fletcher is now fully recovered and will take his place against Brisbane this weekend.

In other injury news, James Hird (concussion) is a certain starter as is David Hille (corked thigh). Steven Alessio (achilles) will resume in the VFL side while Mark Mercuri is another week away from returning. A scan has cleared Gary Moorcroft of any bone damage above his ankle and he will face a fitness test while Aaron Henneman is still two weeks away following hip surgery.