Essendon duo David Zaharakis and Tom Bellchambers have resumed full pre-season training for the first time this summer.

Zaharakis has been on a modified program since his knee injury at the end of the season.

“We’ve probably been conservative in the way we’ve gone about it but he is back now and he’s pretty fit because he’s been able to do most of the running anyway.” General Manager Football Operations Paul Hamilton said.

Ruckman Tom Bellchambers has overcome a number of minor knee complaints and is now pain free.

“He’s been on restricted programs and only able to join in from time to time. But now he’s back and lost a little bit of weight, he’s getting fitter and he just wants to be out there with the rest of the playing group,” He said.
Click here to watch the Recovery Room

David Hille and Scott Gumbleton are recovering well from minor knee operations and are expected to resume full training early in the New Year.

“They are progressing really well and we are really happy with the way things are going along. While they are not back in full training they are not far away from resuming.”

Defender Tayte Pears continues his recovery from a foot injury and is making steady progress.

“The news on Tayte Pears couldn’t be better from what the surgeon indicated to us. He is still a while away from full load training but he is back doing minor fitness work and non weight bearing stuff and he can run now so we are pretty happy with his progress.”

Young rookie and exciting midfielder Taite Silverlock is showing no signs of any complications from a broken foot.

“Taite Silverlock, a rookie who probably would have been close to a senior game last year had he not broken an ankle and he is progressing really well.”

David Myers foot complaint has recovered well and the defender is on track to resume full training after the Christmas break.

“He’s back and training and almost at full training load, not quite there but progressing really well.”