ESSENDON is fit enough to run out four quarters against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, with Bombers coach James Hird saying lack of match practice is no longer an excuse for the team.
The Bombers faded in the last quarter against the Sydney Swans in round one, conceding the final seven goals of the game to lose by 12 points.
It was not unexpected given that 13 players in the team had not played in the NAB Challenge as they awaited the decision of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal that arrived in their favour in the week before round one.
Hird's response on Saturday to whether the team was fit enough to play out a high intensity game was emphatic.
"I think we're there, I don't think we can use that as an excuse," Hird said.
"We're confident enough our guys have had enough work and we're confident we'll run out the game tomorrow and it won't be because of fitness that we win or don't win the game."
Hird said the Bombers were confident they could perform well against the defending premiers, a team that sent a shudder through the competition when they thrashed Geelong on Easter Monday.
"We're not scared of the game," Hird said.
"We understand how good they are. We're confident we'll bring a good game."
Essendon will take just one ruckman into the match with Hird comfortable Tom Bellchambers was fit after the 25-year-old trained well during the week.
He said Joe Daniher was a suitable back-up as a pinch-hitting ruckman and the Bombers needed run to compete with the Hawks.
"Sometimes throughout the year we'll play two rucks but at the moment, where the game is pretty hot and there is a lot of run in the game, and Hawthorn is a very good running team, we're confident Tommy and Joey will be able to do the job," Hird said.
Hird said veteran Dustin Fletcher would be managed throughout the year because of his age but his groin injury was not a major concern.
The coach was pleased he could replace the 39-year-old with experienced defender James Gwilt, a former Saint who joined Essendon as a delisted free agent.
Meanwhile Hird is hopeful the future of another veteran, speedster Jason Winderlich, placed on the long-term injury list with a back problem, would include more senior football at Essendon.
Winderlich contemplated retirement at the end of last season before being linked with Richmond in the trade period. He then decided to play again but his body is already causing problems.
"The doctors and Jason are reasonably confident that he will be back playing and we're hopeful obviously because he is a very important part of our team and he is a terrific Essendon person so we want to see him playing again," Hird said.
The coach said Winderlich would be given time to get his back right, but the club's main priority is to ensure his life after football will not be compromised.
"We had a conversation a few days ago and he's excited about coming back to football and thinks he will be able to do it," Hird said.
