Bomber skipper James Hird is expected to be available for this Friday night's match against Carlton. Hird limped off the field late in the first quarter of yesterday's match with a corked thigh and played no further part in the game. Hird spent time at the beach this morning and fitness coach John Quinn said he is pleased with Hird's recovery at this point in time. ""We will get a clearer indication if James will be available to play Wednesday night at training. At this stage I expect him to get up,"" Quinn said.

And there was other good news for the Bombers with Dustin Fletcher certain to be available for the match against Carlton. The All-Australian defender left the ground late in the final quarter with a corked thigh.