Essendon is ready to be buoyed by the inclusion of spearhead Peter Wright in its Sunday night time blockbuster in opposition to Carlton, however one other thrilling tall will probably be held again longer.
Bombers coach Brad Scott mentioned Nik Cox was out there for senior choice with two VFL video games beneath his belt following his return from a again harm however needed the 200cm prospect to be taught some new methods in a protracted stint on the decrease degree first.
The prime 10 draft decide solely performed 5 video games final 12 months because of recurring accidents and has been sidelined all season, however Scott mentioned he was excited by the small “glimpses” he was receiving from the utility.
He mentioned it was vital that Cox constructed slowly in the direction of the senior degree and learnt plenty of roles the Bombers had in thoughts for the athletic tall.
“We’re probably looking at a few positional variations with Coxy as well, so we really want to spend the time drilling that at VFL level, we don’t want to experiment at AFL level,” Scott mentioned.
“He’s a really good player – I haven’t been exposed to him much because he’s been injured while I’ve been here, but it’s hard not to get excited with the little glimpses you see.
“I’ve said to the coaches we’ve just got to temper that excitement, and build him up slowly.”
Scott mentioned Wright was “more likely than unlikely” to play his first recreation of the season in opposition to the Blues, with a beneficial further week of contact coaching beneath his belt.
He mentioned Dylan Shiel may once more be held again after getting caught in a “cycle” of pulling up sore after video games, with the 30-year-old subbed out of final week’s win with an ankle grievance.
“Shiel is just an elite player, and he’s got elite power and elite speed, and when you’re a bit sore it makes it hard to display those attributes,” he mentioned.
“He’s pulled up a little bit sore, so we’re not going to keep going through this cycle of train, play, pull up sore.
“I’ll again have a discussion with him – he’ll warm up with the group (at Thursday training), but he needs to feel absolutely unrestricted and pain free, and if he has any pain or his movement is hindered in any way he won’t play.”
Scott mentioned Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s coaching program had been modified to assist construct up his health ranges, however the goalsneak would proceed to play within the VFL whereas finishing the additional work.
“We’re modifying his program to get a fair bit of work in … Walla, by his own admission, wants to get fitter, and he’s really driving that,” he mentioned.
“Coaches can push, and high performance staff can push, but he’s really impressed me.
“It’s an incredible effort to get to where he is right now after so long out of the game.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
