Solomon was among a squad of 28 players named for Saturday’s match – other notable inclusions were Damien Peverill, Aaron Henneman and 2002 draftee Darren Walsh. A number of senior players - including James Hird and Scott Lucas - have been rested. Dean Rioli and Mark Mercuri will both make their returns to football via the Bendigo Bombers team that will play Springvale at Optus Oval. The VFL practice match commences at 11.50am and the senior game starts at 2.30pm.
But it is the return of Solomon that will excite Essendon fans more than anything. His hardness and experience was sadly missed at times last season. “I’m really looking forward to his return. It will take a little while for him to work back into top form but I’ve got no doubt whatsoever he will do that – you don’t lose your ability or 84 games experience just because of a knee injury,” Harvey said. ""Physically he is ready and it is just a matter of him getting some game time under his belt.""
The Essendon squad for this Saturday’s match is:
Jordan Bannister
Mark Bolton
Marc Bullen
Damian Cupido
James Davies
Dustin Fletcher
Rob Forster-Knight
Shane Harvey
Aaron Henneman
Danny Jacobs
Jason Johnson
Mark Johnson
Jason Laycock
Matthew Lloyd
Cory McGrath
Adam McPhee
Mark McVeigh
Damien Peverill
Joel Reynolds
Ted Richards
Dean Solomon
Darren Walsh
Jobe Watson
Sean Wellman
Andrew Welsh
Ken Hall
Ben Haynes
Adrian Wilson
On presentation of their membership card, Essendon member's have free admission to the practice match on Saturday. Admission prices for non members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
