Essendon is certain to regain star full back Dustin Fletcher for this weekend's Qualifying Final clash with Richmond at the MCG on Friday night. Fletcher was a late withdrawal from the Bombers side last weekend because of a corked buttock. ""He was very close to playing but we have adopted a no-risk policy with our players and that is why he missed,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""He will play this Friday night."" It is good news for Bomber supporters with Fletcher's height critical to the Bombers chances of containing tall Tiger forwards Matthew Richardson and Brad Ottens.
In other injury news, Dean Wallis failed to get through a full game for the Essendon VFL side on the weekend. Playing in the elimination final against Carlton, Wallis could only manage one quarter before being forced from the ground with back and hamstring tightness. ""We will assess his condition this week,"" Drain said. ""It obviously isn't ideal. We will have another look at him today and make a decision on which way we go with him.""
On a positive note the Bombers will regain Paul Barnard from suspension while Rob Forster-Knight is also available for selection after overcoming a groin injury. Gary Moorcrfot has another week of his suspension to serve while Aaron Henneman continues to work through his rehabilitiation program after a hamstring injury. Henneman will be out of action for another one to two weeks.
