And there was more good news on the injury front for the Bombers with Aaron Henneman, Damien Peverill, Dean Solomon and David Hille all returning to the senior line-up. With only three weeks until the home and away season commences, they will benefit from the match conditioning. It was Solomon's first hit-out in over 11 months and he put in a solid performance in the half he played. The 2000 premiership player moved well across half-back and notched up five touches. A tackle he laid on St.Kilda's Leigh Montagna on the outer wing was the Solomon of old. Steve Alessio was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s practice match due to back soreness, but is expected to return this weekend.
Rookie Ben Haynes had a disappointing setback on Saturday when he dislocated his shoulder in the second quarter. The shoulder is still being assessed by the Bombers medical team, but at this stage could keep the 22-year-old out for up to eight weeks. Haynes has played every pre-season match for the Bombers and was the team's leading possession-getter and goal scorer before the shoulder injury forced him straight from the ground mid-way through the second quarter. It is a devastating blow for Haynes who was aiming to be the rookie elevated to the senior list before the start of the season.
The next three weeks is crucial to the team’s preparation for the beginning of the season. Essendon will travel to Bendigo on Saturday for the practice match against the Western Bulldogs. The match kicks off at 2pm and on presentation of their membership card, Essendon members can enter for free. Admission prices for non-members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
