Star mid-fielder Chris Heffernan could be just 10 days away from returning to football. Heffernan has been recovering from a dislocated knee cap - an injury he sustained during the pre-season. Muscle damage around the joint meant he was sidelined longer than would normally be the case with such an injury. But Heffernan has improved rapidly in the past two weeks and his training suggests a return is just around the corner. ""He stepped up the workload recently and he came through it exceptionally well which is very pleasing,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said tonight.

""He did some hard running at training last week and how he pulled up from that was critical in terms of how far away he is from returning. But he pulled up well - he could return for the VFL game against Sandringham but is probably more likley to play the following Sunday aginst Box Hill,"" Drain said.

Essendon has at times struggled in centre clearances this season and the loss of Joe Misiti and Heffernan has hurt in that regard. Heffernan puts a lot of pressure on opposition sides even if they do get the ball, often forcing them into errors. He missed six games last season and was still led the club in terms of tackles. His imminent return is a great bonus for the Bombers.

""There is no doubt that when fit and in-form he is critical to us. That is why we won't take any risks with him. If we push him back too early he could face more time on the sidelines,"" Drain said.