The Bendigo Bombers will get a much needed boost this weekend with four big Essendon names returning to the squad following injury.
 
Mark McVeigh, Jason Laycock, Kyle Reimers and Hayden Skipworth have recovered from various problems while David Myers will also play against the Coburg Tigers at 2pm at QEO.

Looking for their first win for the season, coach Adrian Hickmott hopes it will give them an added boost of experience and confidence.

“Laycock will come back in the ruck; he’ll make a difference, there is no doubt about that. His body size, height and strength will make a difference with Bock in the ruck, and to our midfield,” Hickmott said.

“McVeigh, Reimers and Skipworth will all play around the midfield, so hopefully with their strength and experience around the ball we can win it out of our stoppages, which we haven’t been doing.""

On top of this midfield boost, Brent Prismall has been increasing his playing time with Bendigo since returning from a knee injury.

“Prismall has played two games now so he’s on full minutes this weekend. We’re hoping for him to get a good first touch on the ball and from there we can get it down to the other guys,"" Hickmott said. 

“Scott Lucas and Jack Redpath (playing his second game in the VFL) will be important in our forward line, but we’ll also put Michael Hurley and Darcy Daniher there at times and the on-ballers will be down there when they need a rest.

“Coming off last week’s loss to Williamstown, we need to take into account the basics of football - attention to detail is what really matters. The harder you play without the ball in your hands, the more likely the chances that you will win the ball back and use it to your advantage.

“We don’t want the guys to get too engrossed in the scoreboard. We want them to work on their defensive actions, push hard and tackle fair but hard and to just play footy.

“Our theme is to unite the Bendigo listed players and the Essendon listed players and hopefully put up a good contest.”

In: Skipworth, McVeigh, Reimers, Laycock, Myers and Tyson Slattery

Out: Josh Bowe (one week, hamstring), Chris Thompson (one week, groin), Leroy Jetta, James Bristow, Simon Davies and Simon Weekly.

This weekend marks the Dreamtime round in the AFL, and the Bendigo Bombers are also celebrating. To tie in with the AFL, the Bendigo Bombers will hold ‘The Long Walk’ starting at the Shamrock Hotel in the town centre. The team and coaches will meet at 12:45pm for a 1:00pm departure. Walking with the players is elder Brien Nelson from the Jaara tribe and didgeridoo player Ron Murray. Together they will Welcome the Country at the QEO before the game.
 
All supporters are encouraged to join The Long Walk which supports and improves conditions for Australian indigenous people. For more information on The Long Walk visit thelongwalk.com.au.