The AFL today withdrew a striking charge against Essendon defender Damien Hardwick arising from last weekend's clash with Hawthorn.
Hardwick had been charged with striking Hawthorn rookie Chance Bateman.
A striking charge against Daniel Chick of Hawthorn was also withdrawn. He was reported for striking Michael Long.
The withdrawal of the charge came as welcome news for the Bombers who are likely to be without two of their stars this weekend.
Michael Long is a doubtful starter after suffering a severley corked hip in the match against Hawthorn last weekend.
He has not trained this week and an assessment will be made on his condition later this week.
In the VFL side, star forward Dean Rioli suffered a broken right collarbone and he will miss the next six weeks as a result.
Tragically the injury was sustained in the final minute of the match against Werribee - a game that Rioli had dominated in the midfield.
Jonathon Robran will miss another week with a hamstring injury while mark McVeigh is expected to return after missing the past three weeks with an ankle injury.
