Essendon might be with out ruckman Sam Draper in opposition to Fremantle as he struggles to beat a lingering hip subject, because the Bombers welcome again gun midfielder Darcy Parish from harm.
Draper was substituted out of Essendon’s win in opposition to Carlton in spherical 13, with coach Brad Scott indicating he would favor to get the dynamic 24-year-old absolutely match relatively than play him hampered.
Parish will return after lacking 5 video games with a calf harm. He educated nicely on Wednesday however teammate Draper wasn’t on the monitor.
Losing Draper can be a hefty blow to Essendon’s hopes in opposition to the Dockers, who ought to regain large man Sean Darcy (hamstring) to associate Luke Jackson at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
“I’m not as positive on Drapes as I am Darcy (Parish),” Scott informed reporters.
“He has been getting out there and playing but we’re just concerned that he’s a really dynamic player.
“We need him at his greatest and he has been combating a niggle.
“Unless he presents really well and proves he’s 100 per cent right to go, then we’ll probably err on the side of getting him right.
“We’d like to have him on the market however once more, he is only a actually vital participant for us and we have been actually constant all through this yr that we would like gamers on the market at their greatest.”
Scott said Draper’s condition had improved after the bye but the injury could take a couple more weeks to clear up.
“This stage of the season, we’re higher off getting it proper, so long as that takes. It’s actually tough to provide you a time-frame,” he stated.
“It might be subsequent week, might be longer. The solely motive we’re imprecise is as a result of we do not know ourselves.”
Young tall Nick Bryan could be called up to partner Andrew Phillips, with the Bombers generally preferring two rucks.
“Fremantle are an excellent clearance facet,” Scott stated.
“When they play their greatest they’re fairly dominant in that a part of the sport. So that often begins with the ruck choices.
Parish averaged 33.5 disposals and eight.5 clearances earlier than his harm and may slot again right into a midfield that has stood up in his absence.
“He should be (back). That’s been our loose plan all along, post-bye, and he’s done a power of work. It’s been a pretty conservative rehab,” Scott stated.
“He’s trained really well through the bye week and he’ll train again today and we expect to select him tomorrow.”
Dylan Shiel (foot) seems unlikely to return, with Scott eager for the dashing midfielder to regain full health earlier than throwing him again into the fray.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
