ESSENDON star Michael Hurley was wearing a moon boot at the club's family day, which was held in scorching heat at Windy Hill on Monday morning.
But the Bombers insist that Hurley, who rolled his ankle during the big win over Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday night, will be fit for their season opener against the Crows at AAMI Stadium on March 22.
"He's done extensive rehab over the last couple of days," midfielder Brent Stanton said.
"But he's reassured us that it's just a general rolled ankle and he's going to be right to go in two weeks' time against Adelaide."
Hurley limped off Manuka Oval during the final quarter of Essendon's 91-point victory over the Giants.
Bombers unfazed by Cronulla drama
After receiving some attention from the club's medical staff, he came back onto the field and appeared unhindered.
The 22-year-old finished the game with 11 possessions and five marks.
"(The moon boot) is a lot more precautionary than you can see from the outside, but he's confident, so is the doctor and so are the coaches," Stanton added.
"He's very professional and he'll do the right recovery this week. He'll rest up and get ready to go."
Another of the Bombers' best players, midfielder David Zaharakis, is close to shrugging off his fitness worries.
Zaharakis, who suffered a quad strain in late January, is likely to play in a VFL practice match against Bendigo this weekend.
"David is really excited," Stanton said. "He had a little bit a set-back four or five weeks ago, and he missed part of last year, so it will be great to have him back out there."
The Bombers' side that takes on the Crows could feature a number of youngsters, with 2012 draftees Nick Kommer and Martin Gleeson both in the mix along with 2011 draftees Jackson Merrett and Elliott Kavanagh.
"They're all exciting talents," Stanton said. "I think it's a really exciting time to be at our football club. We're starting to get a good blend of experience and also a bit of youth.
"It's going to be tough for the coaches to be able to pick a side for round one, which is a bonus, and we haven't been in that situation for a little while."
After receiving some attention from the club's medical staff, he came back onto the field and appeared unhindered.
The 22-year-old finished the game with 11 possessions and five marks.
"(The moon boot) is a lot more precautionary than you can see from the outside, but he's confident, so is the doctor and so are the coaches," Stanton added.
"He's very professional and he'll do the right recovery this week. He'll rest up and get ready to go."
Another of the Bombers' best players, midfielder David Zaharakis, is close to shrugging off his fitness worries.
Zaharakis, who suffered a quad strain in late January, is likely to play in a VFL practice match against Bendigo this weekend.
"David is really excited," Stanton said. "He had a little bit a set-back four or five weeks ago, and he missed part of last year, so it will be great to have him back out there."
The Bombers' side that takes on the Crows could feature a number of youngsters, with 2012 draftees Nick Kommer and Martin Gleeson both in the mix along with 2011 draftees Jackson Merrett and Elliott Kavanagh.
"They're all exciting talents," Stanton said. "I think it's a really exciting time to be at our football club. We're starting to get a good blend of experience and also a bit of youth.
"It's going to be tough for the coaches to be able to pick a side for round one, which is a bonus, and we haven't been in that situation for a little while."
