It was a sight for sore eyes at La Trobe University today as three key Essendon players returned to full training.
Veteran forward Scott Lucas (knee), gun midfielder Mark McVeigh (toe) and rising star Jason Winderlich (back) have all overcome injury and now re-joined the main group.
Assistant coach, Ashley Prescott, said the trio is super important to the team.
""They provide experience, skill, leadership as well as being good blokes,"" he said.
""Mark's return is great not only for his own game but also for the team. Even at the session on Australia Day you saw how explosive and strong he is and how much other players grow around him because he is such a great leader.
""Scott is he much the same. He adds alot to the team and to the players around him. He has been through a fair bit with his injury but he looks like he's well and truly back to full fitness. His body is sound and hopefully he gets a good run at it through the NAB Cup and practice matches and he should be cherry ripe by Round 1 of the AFL season.""
Prescott described Winderlich's return from two serious back operations as a massive turn around.
""It's a credit to Jason and the high performance staff. He has a meticulous program that he has followed to the letter and he's showing the rewards.""
All three players are almost certain to miss the Round 1 NAB Cup clash in Darwin but are expected to play games leading up to Round 1 of the AFL season.
Significantly, Prescott also said that Alwyn Davey (knee) is now within weeks of resuming full training as is Darcy Daniher (back).
