Star Bomber mid-fielder Joe Misiti missed training this afternoon because of illness but is expected to be fit to take on the Blues this weekend. Misiti did not even appear at the club's training session, instead remaining indoors to ensure he is fully recovered for Friday afternoon's training session. A number of Essendon players either trained indoors today or left the track early. ""A couple of players are a bit sore. The last two games have been pretty physical but we don't have any new injury concerns,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

Mark Mercuri didn't train tonight after suffering a corked calf against Port Adelaide. He is expected to have recovered by the weekend. Dustin Fletcher is also expected to play this weekend. Fletcher missed last weekend's match because of an ankle injury. ""It feels much better tonight,"" Fletcher said. ""I have had this problem before and it takes three or four days to get right but it feels very good now.""

Gary Moorcroft and Dean Solomon both trained indoors tonight because of a minor ankle injuries. Neither player is in any doubt for this weekend's match. Dean Rioli (calf) continued his rehabilitation in the swimming pool while Justin Blumfield (knee) completed a full session. Michael Long also completed a full training session and will play with the VFL side this weekend.

At his pre-training press conference, Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy revealed that Mark Johnson will not be fit to take on Carlton. Johnson is suffering from a bruised shoulder but is expected to be fit to take on Sydney at Colonial Stadium on Sunday week.