Paul Barnard is in doubt for the Bombers' Round 1 Wizard Cup clash with the Kangaroos after injuring a shoulder in today's intra-club practice match. Barnard collided with Aaron Henneman in a marking contest in the final minutes of the match and fell to the ground clutching his shoulder. Fears that he had dislocated the shoulder were soon dispelled by club doctor Bruce Reid, but the bruising will still be enough to sideline him.

Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said Barnard will miss this weekend's exhibition match against Sydney and possibly the match against the Kangaroos. ""He gave the shoulder a bit of a bang and he'll miss one or two weeks,"" Sheedy said. ""In many ways what happened was his own fault. He should have called Aaron (Henneman) in to take the mark - that is our team rule in that marking situation."" Had Barnard done so, the collision would not have occurred.

A number of players were rested from this morning's intra-club match including Sean Wellman, Damien Peverill, David Hille and Dean Rioli. Mark Mercuri also missed and has almost completed his rehabilitation following minor knee surgery.