Essendon could welcome back a number of key players this week as the club’s injury toll looks set to somewhat ease.

 

The Bombers will face Brisbane this Saturday at Etihad Stadium following a 10-day break after last Wednesday’s Anzac Day clash.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said key players including Mark McVeigh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Courtenay Dempsey were all a chance to be available for selection this weekend.

“Courtenay Dempsey should come back in to the side after recovering from his hamstring complaint which is very pleasing,” Hamilton said.

“We should also have available for selection Nathan Lovett-Murray as well as Mark McVeigh this week.

“We are starting to get a few numbers back in the side and we’re putting real pressure on the selectors, which is what you want.”

Hamilton said livewire forward Travis Colyer and Luke Davis were also in the mix for selection after impressive performances in the VFL on Saturday.

“Travis was probably our best performer during the pre-season and he put on a lot of weight and muscle so it was incredibly disappointing when he broke his thumb ahead of the start of the season,” he said.

“But Travis should be back this week and is absolutely raring to go so he is in the mix of players to come back to the side too.

“Luke Davis is another player that will put pressure on the selectors this week after impressing on the weekend for Bendigo.”

Hamilton also cleared up rumours of a calf injury to young-gun Jake Melksham.

“Jake is absolutely fine and has no issue with his calf muscle and is raring to go.”

Scans have also confirmed the extent of Michael Hibberd’s injury, with the club ruling him out for the next three to four weeks.

“Michael Hibberd has a definite tear to his hamstring and is likely to miss 3-4 weeks,” Hamilton said.

“Unfortunately he started the season really well and it is really disappointing for all, but we’ll manage him conservatively and get him back on track again.”

Hamilton also highlighted the club’s longer-term injuries to Scott Gumbleton, Brent Prismall and Jason Winderlich saying the trio were making pleasing progress with their respective rehabilitation regimes.

The Bombers now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.

“We’ve just come off two real blockbusters (against Carlton and Collingwood) and the guys have been really well motivated,” Hamilton said.

“We’re really proud they fought it out and showed an enormous amount of spirit but now we need to refocus because we’re all really keen to do well this weekend.”