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Essendon will go into this Friday night's semi-final with Port Adelaide minus star full back Dustin Fletcher after his appeal against a two-match suspension was dismissed tonight. It is the second time Fletcher has been suspended this season. It is a major blow for the Bombers whose record without Fletcher has not been great in recent times. Essendon has selected Danny Jacobs at full back in the absence Fletcher.
Essendon selectors have sprung a surprise on the eve of the Bombers' cut-throat semi-final with Port Adelaide by naming star forward Mark Mercuri. Mercuri has not played since injuring his groin against Melbourne in Round 13. But he has completed most training this week and the Bombers will take him to Adelaide. Essendon also named full forward Matthew Lloyd for the match and skipper James Hird. Sam Hunt was omitted as was Dustin Fletcher pending the outcome of his appeal against a two-match suspension.
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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