Swans - 40 points or more
Swans - between 20 and 39 points
Swans - between 10 and 19 points
Swans - between 1 and 9 points
Match Drawn
Essendon - between 1 and 9 points
Essendon - between 10 and 19 points
Essendon - between 20 and 39 points
Essendon - 40 points or more
Id like to think our more experience players and bigger bodies will get us over the line in such a crucial game....the bombers just cant run out games, although they were 2 down yesterday (not that it would of mattered). Im hoping for a typical swans type scrappy game that sees us win by about 3-4 goals.
It is hard to know what to read into the Bombers' performance against the Pies. On the one hand, their field kicking, especially in the first half, was very very good, and they ran hard to support each other two. Watson had a very good return game after a long lay-off.
On the other hand, there was a lot of luck involved in many of their first half goals. Sure, they were bold and skilled, but on most days, long shots like that won't get the fortuitous bounce that sees them go through for goals. They were clearly "up" for that game, despite their inability to sustain their energy levels. But teams often come down to earth with a thud after a good effort against a top team - witness the Swans effort against the Crows the week after their credible performance against the Pies. Watson may find his second game back a lot tougher than his first. That's a common trait amongst players on return from relatively long term injuries.
A lot will come down to who is available to them come Thursday afternoon. The players they lost at the weekend certainly hurt their run in that game, but Prismall and Coyler are not core to their team at the moment so are replaceable. The returns of any of Hocking, Hurley and Fletcher will make a big difference to them. Fletcher, in particular, will have a field day with our long, directionless bombs into the forward line unless he can be made accountable.
I know this is in Melbourne and our record against the Bombers in Melbourne sucks, etc etc, but I expect us to win this one and win it well. We have a better list than they do and even though they challenged the pies, so did we. After two weeks rest we have absolutely no excuses, if we lose I wont be expecting much from us during the finals (if we make it).
In memory of my little Staffy - Dicey, 17.06.2005 to 1.12.2011- I'll miss you mate.
Player
Injury
Heath Hocking
General soreness (foot)
Test
Heath is recovering from soreness in his foot, sustained from a previous injury. He is a reasonable chance to return this weekend but will face fitness tests to determine his availability for selection.
Michael Hibberd
Hamstring
1-2 weeks
Michael is recovering well after recently sustaining a hamstring injury. He will be monitored and reassessed in the next week.
Tayte Pears
Leg
2-3 weeks
Tayte is recovering well from a slight hairline fracture in his lower leg. He will miss the next two weeks but has commenced rehabilitation programs.
Michael Hurley
Foot
Test
Michael is an outside chance to return this week after a stress reaction in his foot. He will be closely monitored by the club during the week to determine his availability for selection.
Darcy Daniher
Hip
Indefinite
Darcy is recovering from recent groin and hip injuries. He is likely to miss the remainder of the season but is tracking well with his recovery and rehabilitation.
Nathan Lovett-Murray
Calf
Test
Nathan is tracking well from a tight calf. He is a strong chance to return to the field this week, but will face fitness tests to determine his availability.
Cale Hooker
Hamstring
3 weeks
Cale has suffered a slight setback in his recovery, re-straining his hamstring. He is at least three weeks away and is undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
Andrew Welsh
Hamstring
Test
Andrew is recovering well from a hamstring strain. He is a strong chance to return this week but will undergo testing to determine his availability for selection.
Scott Gumbleton
Back
Test
Scott will face fitness tests later this week to determine his availability for selection. He is likely to make a return to the field via the Bendigo Bombers.
Dustin Fletcher
Leg
Test
Dustin is progressing well after internal bleeding in his leg caused significant swelling in his ankles. He is a strong chance to return this week but will face fitness tests.
David Myers
Finger
Test
David dislocated his finger and it was put back in place immediately during the game. He is most likely to be available this week.
David Zaharakis
Elbow
Test
David has sustained a minor pain in his elbow and will have treatment during the week. He is very likely to be available for selection this week.
Courtenay Dempsey
Knee
Season
Courtenay has undergone successful surgery to his ruptured ACL and has commenced his rehabilitation, including a specific weights program. Courtenay is placed on the Club's long term injury list.
Sam Lonergan
Knee
Season
Sam has torn a grade three medial ligament in his knee. Sam has undergone successful surgery to his torn medial ligament and has now commenced his early rehabilitation. He will miss the remainder of the season.
Anthony Long
Hamstring
Indefinite
Anthony tracking well with his rehabilitation and recovery regimes. He is likely to miss the rest of the season but is undergoing rehabilitation.
Jason Winderlich
Knee
Season
Jason has undergone successful surgery to his ruptured ACL. He has commenced his rehabilitation and has recently resumed running. Jason is placed on the Club's long term injury list.
Brent Prismall
Knee
TBC
Scans today have confirmed that Brent has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He will see a surgeon tonight to determine the full extent of the injury.
Travis Colyer
Lower leg
TBC
Travis has sustained significant damage to his lower leg and ankle. Scans have revealed he has also strained the medial ligament in his knee.
Looks like they will struggle to field a team. We may have to lend them some.............
well i hope we win by 5 points and the essendon fans end up blaming the umpires for the loss, oh that already happened
i think we are a way better side, but at etihad and off the bye who knows. If we fire up and play well should win by 25+
Theres not much left to say
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