Essendon forward Paul Barnard is expected to be fit for the Bombers' Round 1 clash with Brisbane despite leaving Albury on crutches last Friday night. Barnard rolled his ankle in the second quarter of Essendon's match against Geelong at Lavington Oval. He immediately left the ground for treatment and was put on crutches to take all weight off the injury.

But the early indications are that Barnard has suffered bruising with no bone or ligament damage. He will undergo intensive physiotherapy treatment for the next week to ensure he is at full fitness. It was good news for Barnard who has already had some injury problems this pre-season. A shoulder injury suffered in an intra-club match sidelining him for two weeks.

And it is also excellent news for the team. His strength will be important against Brisbane and he was in sparkling form against Geelong on the weekend before getting injured. He was a real focal point for the Bombers across half forward - marking well and creating space in the forward 50m.

Essendon had no other injury concerns out of the match against Geelong and with Barnard set to be available for Round 1, the Bombers' injury list is in the best shape it has been for almost two years. Let's hope it sets the trend for the remainder of the year.