Dual Coleman Medallist Matthew Lloyd will join in full-scale training this afternoon as he works towards proving his fitness for this Saturday night's match against the Western Bulldogs.The Essendon star has been sidelined for the seven matches after injuring his finger against Fremantle. The 24-year-old, who has been working hard over the past two months to maintain his fitness, has been given approval by his specialist to resume skills training tonight. ""If I can have a good week on the track, the physios and doctors have said if I feel comfortable I am right to play. If they give me that sort of message, I am sure I will be out there on Saturday night,"" Lloyd said.

Lloyd will tape his finger at training this afternoon to ensure it is not re-injured. His middle finger will be strapped in front of his ring finger, so it will absorb most of the impact. The 2000 premiership player doesn't believe the taping will affect his marking and kicking. ""Being a left footer, it isn't a problem guiding the ball down. I will do anything to get out there and I am sure I will get used to the taping after a few training sessions,"" Lloyd said.

Other good news for the Bombers, with skipper James Hird available to play this Saturday night. Hird who was also sidelined in the Round 6 match, will be a welcome inclusion into the Bombers line-up. He will wear a helmet designed to protect his forehead. With the loss of vice-captain Mark Mercuri on Friday night with a groin injury, the return of Hird is even more important to the Bombers.