ESSENDON defender Michael Hurley may play in the Bombers' final JLT Community Series contest next week after being cleared of a serious ankle injury.
The All Australian backman hobbled from the field in the dying moments of the Bombers' loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday after hurting his ankle.
The Bombers were confident after the game that the 26-year-old had not suffered a major setback and their hopes were confirmed on Tuesday.
"Michael got a kick to the front of his shin [and] it pinched the front of his ankle at the same time," said the club's high performance manager Justin Crow.
"If we had a game this weekend he might be in some doubt. But we're hopeful as that soreness goes away, he'll get back into training and still be a reasonable chance for [the third JLT game]."
Essendon plays Geelong in Bendigo on March 12 to close out its pre-season preparation.
The Bombers have a relatively healthy list heading into round one, but will be sweating on the fitness of fellow All Australian Cale Hooker.
Hooker has not played in the first two JLT Community Series games as he manages a hamstring strain, and may not feature against the Cats, either.
The 28-year-old may get just one game in ahead of round one – a VFL practice match between Essendon and Geelong on March 17.
The Bombers will be desperate to have Hooker on the park against Hawthorn in their season-opening clash the following week, with the versatile tall set to play as a key forward this season.
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.
