ESSENDON could welcome back up to four key players for Friday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
David Zaharakis and Heath Hocking are in contention after overcoming various injury concerns, while Tayte Pears is ready after being rested last weekend and Jason Winderlich is in the frame.
Zaharakis was subbed out of his team’s thrilling win over Western Bulldogs in Round 16 with a back injury that then forced him out of the clash with the Giants.
A key player in the Bomber midfield, Zaharakis is having one of his best seasons, playing the majority of his football in the midfield.
The 23 year old is averaging 23.9 disposals and three tackles per game this season, but his true value comes with the explosive pace he provides through the middle.
Essendon football operations manager, Steve Alessio says the pacey Bomber is a likely starter on Friday night.
“He's going to train this week and he'll be pushing up for selection,” Alessio told the AFL website.
"From all reports he's pulled up really well from the break and he's a real chance this week.
"The injury didn't affect the way he can train and run. Obviously we'll put him through his paces in the main session on Tuesday and if he comes up all right we'd expect him to play."
Hocking has been out for an extended period, not having played since Round 12 when strained his calf.
One of Essendon’s toughest midfielders and clearance specialists, his availability for Friday night’s clash is pivotal to his team’s chance of success against the strong-bodied Hawthorn midfield.
Already without Captain Jobe Watson with a broken collarbone, the Bombers are hopeful they’ll at least regain one of its best in and under players.
Barring any calamity at training, he’ll return to face the Hawks.
“Heath has been training really well over the last few weeks,” Alessio told the club’s website.
“He is in full training and will be putting his hand up this week if all goes well throughout the week at training then he should be playing against Hawthorn.”
Winderlich was managed based on his injury-plagued history and Essendon’s six-day turnaround between matches last weekend.
He was best on ground for the Bombers in the win over Western Bulldogs in Round 16, with 24 touches, seven tackles and four goals.
He is another player who provides explosive pace to the Essendon side, and on the fast track at Etihad Stadium, would add great value to the Bombers side to take on the Hawks.
It was a similar story for Pears, a key defender, who was rested against the Giants.
Both are in contention to be recalled for Friday night’s top-of-the-table clash against the Hawks.
Veteran full back Dustin Fletcher had scans on Monday, but the Bombers expect him to be fit.
