Essendon pair Andrew Welsh and Nathan Lovett-Murray will be close to senior selection this week after impressive returns from injury in the Bendigo Bombers' nine-point loss to the Werribee Tigers on Saturday.
 
Bendigo dominated possession and won the inside 50 count 63-42, but was unable to take its chances in front of goal, kicking 19 behinds and finishing with one more scoring shot than the Tigers. 
 
Bombers coach Shannon Grant said it was a disappointing result.
 
""It was probably one of those games where we just didn’t make the most of our opportunities. We just missed goals that we probably should have kicked,"" Grant said.
 
""But, having said that, our intent and endeavour and the way we continued to come at them was a terrific effort. We just lacked being able to take our opportunities when they arose.""
 
Lovett-Murray hadn't played since injuring his calf in the lead-up to round 13 against North Melbourne, while it was Welsh's first game back after straining his hamstring in Essendon's round 15 win over Geelong.
 
""[Lovett-Murray] was terrific. He got through and played 70 minutes of footy. His attack on the footy and his leadership out on the ground was great, and we'll look at his extending his minutes and he will be very important in the run home,"" Grant said.
 
""It was also Welsh's first game back and he played really well and contributed for us. I thought he was one of our better ones on the day.""
 
Forward Ariel Steinberg continued his promising first year at the club with four goals and Grant said the 18-year-old could also come into contention to make his AFL debut.
 
""Ariel's got a lot of talent and has a big future ahead of him. He's not far off; he's doing a lot right and just continues to get better as the year has gone on. He's certainly one who might find himself in the mix,"" he said.
 
Two weeks after being a late withdrawal with a back spasm, Scott Gumbleton returned for the Bombers to kick one goal and get through the game unscathed.
 
""Gumby got through really well. He played a full game, worked really hard, and we got plenty of work into him so it's certainly a big bonus for us on the weekend that he could get through and pull up well,"" Grant said.
 
Bendigo will meet Collingwood on Saturday at 1pm at Victoria Park.