Unfortunately for Essendon rising star Jordan Bannister his season has come to an end. He probably knew this when he broke his collarbone in the second quarter of the Bendigo Bombers match last weekend, but it was confirmed last night when the club put him on the long term injury list. Bannister had surgery on Tuesday and his recovery will take a minimum of eight weeks. One of the only positives to come out of the situation is that one of the six Bomber rookies has the opportunity to be elevated to the senior list.

Realistically there are only five rookies in contention to be promoted. Adrian Wilson's season is over with a recurring hamstring strain so it leaves Toby McGrath, Scott Howard, Courtney Johns, Ken Hall and Ben Haynes to fight it out for the position. However, the match committee decided last night not to elevate a rookie this week and will only do so in the event that they want to select one of the rookies to play in the seniors. The important thing to note is the club only has until round 18 to elevate a rookie.

Bendigo coach Peter Banfield has done a lot of work with the rookies this season and said they have all been performing well. “The rookies have been playing really well and I have noticed a lot of improvement in all of those players. Decisions need to be made on those rookies in terms of who will be elevated to the senior list and they have to put their hand up every week and keep improving so they get the opportunity to get themselves on the list,” Banfield said.

If the match committee does decide to elevate a rookie it won't be an easy decision. As Banfield stated, all five have been in good touch and all are hungry for that senior spot. Courtney Johns is still on a maintenance program with his hip despite playing in recent weeks. The coaching staff have been bringing him on for bursts at stages of the game and he has given the team a strong marking target and another goal scoring option. Ben Haynes returned from a shoulder reconstruction post the bye and over the past two weeks has been returning to his pre-season form. He has been dominating on the half forward flank and has also spent time on the ball.

Toby McGrath has been a solid contributor each week and has the flexibility to play in defence and also the endurance to play in the mid-field. Scott Howard has been consistently good across the half-back flank. He has good skills and is still developing. Ken Hall's aerobic fitness is the best it has ever been. He has done the job on key opposition mid-fielders this season and also been attacking in his game. His long kicking is always a handy asset.

The Bendigo Bombers face Werribee on Saturday and all five rookies will be keen to perform well to improve their chance of being awarded that lucrative senior spot.