In a massive boost for the Bombers' finals chances, captain Matthew Lloyd and star ruckman Patrick Ryder have passed fitness tests and - unless there is a late flare-up of their injuries - will return to play in tomorrow's crunch game against Hawthorn.
Ryder said he had seriously doubted he would be able to return so quickly after hurting muscle behind his knee against St Kilda in Round 20.
""This week its come along well for me so I will be lining up. Late last week it wasn't coming along too well but I stuck with the physios and doctors and put in a fair bit of work and its come up well for me,"" he said.
""Twisting and turning was a bit suspect but it's 100% now. I feel pretty energetic whereas a few weeks back I was looking to sleep more and was pretty tired but now I am up and about and ready.""
Ryder described tomorrow's game as the biggest he has played in and admitted the suspension to Franklin should help the Bombers.
""He's capable of kicking 15 goals so it will be better for us .. but they still have plenty of good players,"" he said.
The 21-year-old said he had spoken with Lloyd and said the veteran had pulled up well after training this morning.
""He ran around fine out there and I was speaking to him and he seemed to pull up well so I am sure he will be ready,"" he said.
Football operations manager Paul Hamilton said Jobe Watson was also fit to play after some concern over ankle soreness.
""He will play, we are very confident. Jobe is fine, Paddy is fine and so is Matthew,"" he said.
""We go into every game with some players that are slightly off .. but once you declare yourself right to play there are no excuses.""
Hamilton said tomorrow's game was massive for the club and expects it to be played at finals like intensity.
""We are going to have a resonably balanced team and we are very excited about the game tomorrow,"" he said.
""We are aware of the challenge. They have many players who are finals hardened from last year.""
