In a much needed boost to the Bombers' hopes of winning on Saturday night, Matthew Knights today confirmed Dustin Fletcher would return from suspension while Scott Gumbleton was a ""better than even chance"" of playing after being a late withdrawal last week through injury.
Fletcher missed the last two weeks on a tripping charge while Gumbleton was rested with soreness in a few areas.
""Dustin will definitely come back into the team and Gumbleton trained quite strongly today so we think he is a better than even chance of coming back into the team,"" Knights said to Bomber.tv today.
""It will be good to have those two big boys available and Jake Melksham, who we rested last week, comes back into the equation as well.""
In further good news, Tayte Pears walked laps this morning following his major operation three weeks ago. He is still considered an outside chance of playing again this season.
Knights today also revealed he got some words of support from former coach Kevin Sheedy who he sat next to at Sunday's 2000 Premiership dinner.
""He was extremely supportive and gave me some words of wisdom about staying strong in what you believe in,"" he said.
Knights also apologised to the AFL umpires for staring at them during the third quarter of Sunday's game after the Demons were awarded gifted seven goals from 50m penalties.
""On reflection, as a leader of the football club and in the community, I don't think those actions at three quarter time befitted that role as a leader. Definitely shouldn't have looked out towards the umpire, because I have a good relationship with those guys.
""Also in the press conference after the game I raised some isolated decisions - that's not the forum either. On probably both fronts from my perspective I got it wrong and I am happy to put my hand up for that.
""What I should have been focusing on was my three quarter time address and getting around to the players.""
