Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy confirmed this afternoon that former Gippsland Power midfielder Jason Winderlich will make his debut for the Bombers against Richmond this week. Winderlich, who was coached by former Bomber star Darren Bewick at the Power and who now wears the same number at Essendon, is a highly skilled and tenacious midfielder. Winderlich's promotion has come despite him missing some pre-season and early games because of injury.

Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said Winderlich has all the right ingredients to become a long-term proposition for the Bombers at senior level. ""He has pace, keeps his head over the football, has a bit of grunt and is a genuine footballer. He is a very exciting propsect for the club,"" Dodoro said said.

A full transcript of Kevin Sheedy's press conference will be on-line shortly.