Essendon could welcome back Michael Hurley this week as the side travels north to play the Gold Coast.

Hurley has missed the last three weeks with a knee problem. 

But he’s stepped up his training load and will continue to be assessed throughout the week. 

“He’s out there training at the moment, but we’ll just see how he pulls up during the week,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said. 

Ruckman Jonathan Giles will also be monitored after aggravating a knee injury. 

“Jonathan got a bit of a surface cartilage injury to his knee which he stirred up,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said. 

“We’ll see how he is later in the week.” 

Brendon Goddard, David Zaharakis and Heath Hocking picked up minor injuries in the loss to the Crows on Saturday.

All got through the game and will play this weekend. 

But defender James Gwilt will spend at least another week on the sideline with a groin injury. 

“James Gwilt was a bit unlucky in that he strained a tendon not a muscle so he won’t play this week,” Dr Reid said.