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Essendon vice captain Mark Mercuri is still expected to line up in this Saturday night's Grand Final replay against Brisbane despite missing training this afternoon. Mercuri spent the night indoors while his teammates were put through a 75-minute session at Windy Hill. ""We just didn't want to take a risk with him,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain explained. ""He has a slight groin but we fully expect him to play this weekend.""
In other injury news, Scott Lucas again spent the night running laps and is again in doubt. Lucas was joined by Paul Salmon who is still one to two weeks away from resuming. Dustin Fletcher (bruised chest) trained strongly and is a certain starter. Dean Rioli also trained well as did Steven Alessio. Alessio played just under a half in the VFL team last weekend and will be considered for senior selection this weekend.
Essendon's recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro has a lot to thank Kevin Sheedy for. Sheedy gave him a start at the club over 15-years ago when he employed him to assist in the coaches box. Dodoro has worked closely with Sheedy particularly over the past six years and finds him inspiring to work with. ""He is an incredible person - he has amazing energy levels. He is a person who is not only an excellent role model but also a good friend,"" Dodoro said.
Read nowWe acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present. We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.
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