Dean Rioli could make his first appearance of the pre-season as could Dean Solomon. Steve Alessio (back spasm) looks likely to play with David Hille (broken toe), Damien Peverill (shin) and Paul Barnard (shoulder) are also chances to play. Mark Mercuri (knee) and Aaron Henneman (shoulder) will also come under consideration.
Essendon assistant coach Mark Harvey said it was a matter of the coaching panel working out who they really need to have a look at and who needs some match conditioning. ""All those players trained strongly this morning at LaTrobe University so I would expect a few of them to play on Saturday,"" Harvey said. ""We don't want to take any risks in terms of aggravating injury but we also want to get them out on the park.""
Harvey said the Essendon players knew they had played a game of football last Saturday night. ""A few blokes were sore but nothing serious - that is how you feel after your first real hit out of the season. We took a couple of senior players off - including James Hird as a precautionary measure. Adam Ramanauskas was a bit sore in the groin, I doubt he will play this weekend but everyone else will be available.""
On presentation of their membership card, Essendon member's have free admission to the practice match on Saturday. Admission prices for non members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
