Essendon has confirmed its player availability ahead of Sunday’s season opener against Brisbane at Windy Hill.

Maddy Prespakis is a test for the round one clash after experiencing some knee soreness following Sunday’s training session. 

Georgia Clarke suffered bone bruising to her right knee during the practice match against North Melbourne. The defender is set to miss the start of the season but is progressing well with her recovery. 

Daria Bannister is recovering well following surgery for a minor meniscus tear, whilst Brooke Walker also continues to make positive progress in rehab and return to training following her ACL injury that occurred last year. Taya Chambers will also miss round one after suffering from shin soreness, the defender is set to return within the next couple of weeks. 

Sophie Van De Heuvel (hamstring) and Amelia Radford (ACL) will both miss the start of the season due to their respective injuries. Radford continues to strengthen her knee following a clean-out procedure, and Van De Heuvel is progressing well in her recovery.