Essendon's 2000 Crichton Medallist Dustin Fletcher and improving utility Danny Jacobs both missed the Bombers training session this afternoon because of minor ankle injuries. Jacobs hurt his ankle in the Bombers match against Geelong in round 15. He carried the injury into the match against the Kangaroos and is still suffering from some soreness. Fletcher slightly sprained his ankle late in Essendon match against the Kangaroos last weekend. Both players completed fitness circuits indoors with Fletcher making a late appearance on the track to do some skills work.

""We are confident both will train on Friday and be fit to play this weekend,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""There isn't any point taking risks with these blokes at this stage of the season. They can maintain their fitness indoors and one night off isn't going to hurt them in terms of skills.""

Michael Long continued his promising return to the training track. Long completed the warm-up and 15 minutes of skills before coming off the track. ""He completed the full session on Tuesday and the plan was always for him to do half a session tonight. He is about where we thought he was be and he is still a chance to play a half in the VFL side this weekend - if not he will definitely play next weekend,"" Drain said. Dean Wallis didn't train tonight and will face a fitness test later this week when a decision will be made on his return. Mark mcVeigh completed a full session for the Bombers and is a certain starter while Sean Wellman returns from suspension.

The Essendon players were put through a 30-minute practice match tonight. ""We do that from time to time just to keep them sharp,"" Drain said.