Bendigo Bombers return to Windy Hill this Saturday afternoon as they try and finish off their season with a win after a disappointing six weeks.

Injury at Essendon has had a major impact on Bendigo’s ability to compete with the best sides in the VFL and despite being beaten in their last six games the experience gained by the young Bendigo listed players has been invaluable.

Bendigo may this weekend be without any Essendon listed players depending on injuries and selection in the senior side as Danny Chartres and John Williams have been named on Essendon’s extended interchange for Sunday’s game against St Kilda.

Most AFL affiliated clubs in the VFL are able to provide 10-12 players each week but in this case of Bendigo in recent weeks, Essendon have just not had players fit and available to play.

It has opened the door for a group of enthusiastic young Bendigo based players to test themselves at VFL level and as they combine what they have learnt in the last few weeks and another pre-season Bendigo Bombers have a lot to look forward to in 2009.

Six weeks ago Bendigo looked like being every chance to play in the finals and when they defeated Northern Bullants, they sat just out of the top eight by a game, but injuries have ended what could have been a very exciting run home.

In contrast Saturday’s opponent, Coburg, has come home strongly, sitting sixth on the ladder and assured of finals action for 2008.