Mark McVeigh and Michael Hurley’s chances of making the trip west to take on the Eagles on Friday night will be decided following the team’s training session at Windy Hill this morning.
Coach Matthew Knights said both players are not automatic inclusions and have to prove they are fit and ready before being selected.
Hurley put his name firmly back in selectors' minds after dominating in the VFL last weekend, kicking four goals in the Bendigo Bombers’ loss to the Northern Bullants.
“Michael has trained at a really good intensity for the last month and seems really comfortable in himself. He’s been through a challenging period in his life but we look forward to the next time he represents the Essendon Football Club.
McVeigh has not participated in a full skills session since being hospitalised for an infected elbow following the club’s Round 2 loss to Fremantle and Knights said today's training session was a chance for the 29-year-old to prove himself fit and healthy.
“He’s obviously feeling much better but we’ll see how he goes throughout the session and then make a decision,” Knights said.
“He’s spent a deal of time in hospital and needs to get his body moving again. It’s more how he’s feeling within himself after today’s session.
“He’ll get a good blowout so we’ll quickly find out how his legs are feeling and whether he feels on top of the ground or heavy.