Star Bomber Mark Mercuri will make his return to football against Hawthorn at the MCG this Saturday afternoon.

Mercuri has missed the past two matches against Richmond and Fremantle following the death of his brother.

Mercuri's return will be a great boost to Essendon after it was soundly beaten by Fremantle at ground level last weekend.

Essendon won the match but the return of Mercuri will undoubtedly strengthen the Bombers effectiveness around the packs.

There was further good news with skipper James Hird certain to play despite suffering from a corked hip on the weekend.

Hird had the injury strapped for the flight back from Perth yesterday but has recovered sufficiently to ensure he plays this weekend.

On the injury front, Jonathon Robran will miss another two to three weeks after tearing a hamstring at training late last week.

Mark McVeigh will also miss another week with an ankle injury which is healing more slowly than expected.

Marcus Pickett, who missed last weekend because of the flu is expected to play this weekend while Aaron Henneman (groin) will undergo a fitness test.

The seniors match against Hawthorn commences at 2.10pm this Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

The VFL team will play Werribee at Werribee this Sunday afternoon.