Essendon looks set to welcome back a number of key players ahead of this weekend’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash against an improved Richmond side.

 

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said forward utility Michael Hurley, Tayte Pears and David Myers were all in the mix to make their respective returns from injury.

“We would all love to have Michael Hurley back in the side this week,” Hamilton said.

“To have Michael back this week will some pressure away from both Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers so we’re really looking forward to seeing him back out there.

“We’re hopeful Tayte Pears will return this week, as well as David Myers who is an outside chance too.”

In pleasing news for the red and black faithful, Scott Gumbleton is set for a long-awaited return to football with the injury-plagued forward likely to line-up for Bendigo in the VFL competition this weekend.

“It’s exciting news because he has had a long, hard road and he has been working hard and really diligently to get himself back to where he needs to be,” Hamilton said.

“He is stronger and fitter and has done of a lot of work and we’re really excited to have him back.

“We’re also going to welcome back Alex Browne who is likely to play in the VFL this week too after overcoming a relatively severe hamstring injury which is great.

“The pleasing news for the club is that our injury list is gradually decreasing and we’re welcoming back a number of exciting players, both at a senior and reserves level.”

Hamilton said the Bombers would be cautious of an in-form Richmond side, leading in to Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

“It is a really special game for us and we have, and have had a lot of Indigenous players at our club,” Hamilton said.

“We didn’t perform particularly well in this game last year, so we’re hoping our improvement over the past 12 months shows on Saturday night.

“We are really looking forward to seeing as many Bombers supporters there at the MCG on Saturday night for our home game.”