The decision on whether star Bomber mid-fielder Chris Heffernan makes his senior return this weekend against Brisbane is still on hold. Heffernan played his first football of the season in the Bombers VFL match against the Box Hill Hawks last weekend. Heffernan, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, played a half of football and collected 16 possessions. But football manager Matthew Drain said the Heffernan decision had been deferred until after training this afternoon. ""We don't want to rush him back until he gets some game time and confidence,"" Drain said.

The Bombers' selectors will have to make at least one change to the side that defeated Hawthorn at Colonial Stadium on Saturday night. Justin Blumfield is certain to miss after undergoing arthroscopic surgery yesterday. Blumfield could be replaced by either Blake Caracella or Dustin Fletcher. Caracella (shoulder) and Fletcher (groin) will both face fitness tests later this week.If they don't come up and Heffernan remains in the VFL side, the Bombers depth will be further tested and it could leave a couple of youngsters fighting for the final place in the 22.

Given Blumfield means yet another Essendon mid-fielder will be sidelined another running player will be needed to replace him. That could mean that Marc Bullen will make his AFL debut. Bullen has been in superb form in the VFL side and has impressed greatly with his hardness around the football and his ability to rack up possessions. ""There is no doubt he has come on a lot faster than we thought he may have -he will be in the mix if injuries keep those other players out of the side,"" Drain said.

Essendon's first two draft picks - James Davies and Ted Richards - may also be considered. Davies has steadily improved as the season has unfolded while Richards is a very exciting key position player who can take a mark. The Essendon selectors will have their work cut out this week.