MICHAEL Hurley will be available for Essendon's opening JLT Community Series match against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Thursday after overcoming a minor ankle complaint.
Former skipper Jobe Watson will also take to the field for his first competitive outing for the Dons in 592 days.
But promising youngster Aaron Francis will miss the game against the Pies after he hurt his ankle in the Bombers' match practice at training last Wednesday.
>> The full teams for the Pies v Dons JLT opener will be revealed on AFL.com.au after midday (AEDT) on Tuesday
Hurley rolled his ankle in an intraclub match 10 days ago, but has been cleared to feature against the Pies.
"We saw Aaron carried off in the intraclub last Wednesday with an ankle sprain," Bombers high performance manager Justin Crow said.
"That ankle sprain has come up quite well.
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"Aaron was running today, so he'll progress his running into change of direction and agility over the next session or two and then he’ll be back into training next week."
The Bombers won't risk veteran midfielder Brent Stanton who pulled up sore in the groin from last week's hit-out.
"Brent has still got some groin tightness from the game last Wednesday," Crow said.
"He could have got up and played but we’re taking a no-risks strategy, particularly with guys returning so he won’t be available this week."
Defender Michael Hartley has resumed full training following his hamstring injury and is expected to be available for the last two JLT Community Series games.
"'Harts’ did everything today and he'll continue to do all of the training this week and be available after JLT One," Crow said.
Coach John Worsfold told Triple M he expected most of the returning Bombers to line up in the match against the Pies.
"There is likely to be six or seven playing … Jobe (Watson) will play, he's really excited," Worsfold said.
"We're going to take a little while to let the side settle and work out how it's going to look and what we believe our best line-up is."
The Bombers are hoping Joe Daniher, who has battled a knee issue this pre-season, may be available for a pre-season game – against Gold Coast – on February 26.
Tom Bellchambers is continuing to make progress in his recovery from a knee injury, while speedster Alex Morgan is also building up his training program following an ankle injury.
“With Alex it’s important we build up his high speed running, so for that reason he did part of training today and he’ll be doing most of training for the rest of the week,” Crow said.
AFL and club access members will have free general admission entry to JLT Community Series matches in which their club is competing (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable). Click here to learn more.
