Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher is likely to miss this week’s highly anticipated clash against Greater Western Sydney after sustaining a minor groin injury.

 

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the club would not take any risks with the 37-year-old.

“He has a small injury to his groin area and it is something that he has been carrying for a couple of weeks,” Hamilton said.

“He has been playing with it, and usually he would be right to play but it got worse on the weekend so we definitely won’t be taking any risks with Fletch.

“He is more than likely to miss this week’s game but we will give him the chance to fully recover so we will see how he is by the end of the week.”

Click here to view the club's current injury list.

Ruckman David Hille is a chance to make a return from a calf injury ahead of the Bombers’ clash with GWS on Saturday night at Skoda Stadium.

“David should be available this week given he gets through training,” Hamilton said.

“He is a chance to play and we’re confident he will be available for selection which is pleasing but we will judge his fitness levels during the week.”

Injury-plagued forward Scott Gumbleton made his highly anticipated return to the VFL on Saturday to the delight of his Essendon teammates.

“It was great to see Scott back on the field because we all love him and he really is a great person,” Hamilton said.

“He’s had some really tough times but he was back on the weekend and played half a game.

“In that half he managed an impressive 10 possessions and a goal, and when he kicked that goal all the players came running to him from all over the field to let him know that they were on his side,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said Essendon coach James Hird was looking forward to facing Kevin Sheedy for the first time in the coaching box ahead of Saturday night’s clash.

“The great coaching master Kevin Sheedy faces off with Hirdy who is doing so well early in his coaching career,” he said.

“It is a remarkable history between the two and we all remember their emotional farewell together from the game.

“It is going to be a great night, but one we can’t take lightly.”