Essendon’s AFL outlook continues to brighten with key talls Cale Hooker and Joe Daniher set to boost John Worsfold’s side.
Both have been slowed by calf injuries suffered in March but Hooker has been cleared to return in Saturday’s clash with Brisbane at the MCG, while Daniher is slated to play in round five.
The Bombers shrugged off two weeks of stinging criticism after an 0-2 start to the season with a gutsy win over Melbourne last week.
But the 18-point victory came at a cost, with Kobe Mutch and Shaun McKernan both suffering hamstring injuries.
Hooker’s likely inclusion against the Lions will be a huge boost given his ability to play in attack or defence.
“He’s ticked all his boxes and is available for selection,” Worsfold said of Hooker.
“If he doesn’t get picked in the seniors he’ll definitely play VFL.
“We’ve obviously got some selection things that we’ve got to take into account this week after losing a couple of players.”
The club has taken a cautious approach with Daniher, who hasn’t played since round seven last year when he succumbed to a chronic groin injury.
The 24-year-old had enjoyed a solid preparation before a training setback, but is firming for a return against North Melbourne on Good Friday.
“He’s not far off … he’s pretty much back in full training, doing full workloads,” Worsfold said.
“I’m not sure of the exact timeframe but next week he could be available to play – whether that’s limited minutes or AFL selection, I’m not sure yet.
“There is a plan for him so if he ticks all of those boxes … I just haven’t spoken to the medical staff about whether that would be limited time or not.”
The coach asserted Daniher had done nothing wrong after it was reported he had been out drinking over the weekend.
“He’s not injured any more, he’s back in full workloads, so that would not impact his return to play at all,” he said.
“I have no issue with Joe having a couple of glasses of (whatever it was) when it’s not going to impact his preparation.”