Bendigo was hampered pre-match with the late withdrawal of full back Sam Hunt and Henry Slattery. Hunt missed because of bruised ribs while it was decided not to risk Slattery who was suffering from groin soreness. Jay Nash also missed after injuring his shoulder during training during the week.
The Bombers were best served by Mark Alvey who must surely be getting close to earning a place in the senior side. Alvey collected 27 possessions, kicked two goals and hardly missed a target over the four quarters.
IN other club news, Essendon football operations manager Dom Cato has had to drive young gun Kepler Bradley back to Melbourne after it was decided he should not fly back. Bradley suffered from a bruised lung against Sydney and medical advice was that he should not get on an aeroplane.
Bradley was kept in hospital overnight in Sydney for observation. A scan revealed no broken ribs, the lung was not collapsed and the bruising was only minor. However a cautious approach was taken to his return trip after Bradley coughed up some blood post-match. Bradley is feeling no ill effects today and could yet play this weekend against Fremantle.
Jobe Watson is expected to be available this weekend after being a late withdrawal on the weekend because of quad soreness.
