Essendon utility Craig Bird looms as a likely inclusion for Sunday’s twilight clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
The former Sydney Swan played his 150th game against Richmond in Round 17 before being rested from last week’s loss to Brisbane due to quad tightness.
Bird, who was initially listed as an emergency for the clash with the Lions, has since resumed full training and would be a welcome inclusion for Bombers coach John Worsfold ahead of Sunday’s trip to Adelaide.
“He got some tightness in his quad in our last session of the week,” Essendon High Performance Manager Justin Crow said on the club’s website.
“We didn’t really feel that was the time to test him, or push him along.
“He’s come up really great, he’s kicking yesterday and today with no problems and he’ll train this week and be available.”
Young forward Joe Daniher will also be available despite a heavy knock to his mouth early in the game against Brisbane.
“Joe ended up playing most of the game with two loose front teeth which is a really good effort,” Crow said.
“He saw the dentist that night, got some dental work – they’ve been wired up.
“We expect Joe to train this week and play.”
Despite the knock, Daniher finished last week’s match with four goals.
Ex-Docker Ryan Crowley and former Hawthorn premiership player Jonathon Simpkin are among those in solid VFL form who may break back into Essendon’s senior side.
James Polkinghorne and Jackson Merrett could also come into the Bombers’ team for this weekend’s clash with the Crows.
