Star Essendon mid-fielder Chris Heffernan takes his next major step towards returning to senior football this weekend when he lines up in the Bombers VFL side that plays the Box Hill Hawks at Windy Hill this Sunday. Heffernan has been named on the ball for his return match but is only expected to play a half to assess how far away he is from standing up to the rigours of a full AFL game. ""I have worked hard on my fitness during the break but it is never the same as playing. I'm looking forward to getting back into it,"" Heffernan said.

Heffernan joins veteran Sean Denham in the on-ball brigade which also includes David Hille who was dropped from the senior side.The Essendon VFL side is:

Backs: Goldsworthy Hunt Hall

Half Backs: Bullen Richards D.Johnson

Centres: Davies McGrath Bannister

Half Forwards: Switala Lalich Goddard

Forwards: Mahoney Podsiadly Davis

Foll: Hille Heffernan Denham

Bench: Clarke Cranage Sheppard Dukes Murphy