Dual premiership player Mark Mercuri has not played since Round 13 last season when he badly injured his groin against Melbourne. The 29-year-old was on a modified training program before Christmas and since then has been training at full capacity. He had a knee scrape three weeks ago and as a precautionary measure missed the Wizard Cup opener. He has been training exceptionally well and fitness coach John Quinn said he is looking fitter than ever. Mercuri will provide another option in the mid-field and give the Bombers more potency across the half forward line.
With the absence of Alessio (back spasm), Hille (broken toe) and Henneman (shoulder) against the Kangaroos, draftee Jason Laycock took on the ruck responsibilities against the Kangaroos. The 18-year-old rucked for the majority of the match before coming off briefly in the final quarter. The ruck stocks will be greatly bolstered if Alessio, Hille and Henneman return and it will take pressure off young Laycock. He has played most of his football at centre half forward and that is where he might find himself on the weekend.
Barnard is also set to return to the team after a bruised shoulder kept him out of the Bombers past two matches. The long awaited return of Dean Solomon could be this week. Solomon has not played for 12 months after injuring his knee in a practice match against Williamstown.
With the home and away season kicking off in just over three weeks, the forthcoming practice matches are crucial to Essendon's preparation. They face the Brisbane Lions in Round 1 on their home turf the Gabba and will need to greatly improve on the performance they gave last Saturday against the Kangaroos. Although missing a number of key players, the team was still beaten convincingly by 62-points.
On presentation of their membership card, Essendon member's have free admission to the practice match on Saturday. Admission prices for non members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
