All Australian defender Sean Wellman will have his dislocated finger assessed today by the surgeon. At this stage it is not known if the Bombers’ vice captain will require surgery on the finger that he injured in the third quarter of the match against Carlton on Friday night. According to Fitness Coach John Quinn even if Wellman does have surgery he may only miss one week. “The surgeon will have a good look at Sean’s finger today and make the call if he requires surgery. The good news is that even if he has surgery he will only miss one week. If the surgeon gives him the all clear he should be available to play this weekend against the Western Bulldogs,” Quinn said.

At this stage Joe Misiti will miss the following two weeks with a strained buttocks. Misiti left the ground early in the Round 3 match against Carlton and took no further part in the game. Quinn said Misiti will participate in a modified program this week and will do a lot of work in the pool.

Mark Bolton will be available for selection this week after serving a three-match suspension for unduly rough play. With the possible absence of Wellman, Bolton’s inclusion in the team gives the coaching panel another tall option to use in defence. Paul Barnard will face the AFL Tribunal this week after being reported for allegedly striking Simon Wiggins in the third quarter of the Round 3 match against Carlton.