ESSENDON expects Mark McVeigh to be available for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Sydney Swans despite the midfielder being a late withdrawal from the club’s VFL team on Sunday.

McVeigh was to play for the Bendigo Bombers – who lost to the Casey Scorpions by 111 points – but was a late withdrawal with what the club labelled “general soreness”.

The star Bomber was to play in the VFL after last week missing a training session.

He also admitted to a late-night social catch-up with former teammate Dean Solomon. Following his transgression, coach Matthew Knights, in consultation with his leadership group, decided McVeigh should resume at VFL level.

The 28-year-old had missed the previous week’s win over Carlton through suspension. He has managed just four matches this year after battling an ankle injury which has restricted his output.

Forward Angus Monfries underwent scans on Monday and will miss the next two matches with a hamstring injury.

This weekend, Knights’ side hopes to regain clearance king Jobe Watson (ankle), while youngsters Bachar Houli, Michael Hurley and David Myers are likely to push for selection after performing well in Sunday’s VFL loss.
 
“Houli's competitive edge was really good today, and Hurley worked hard all day, playing forward and back, especially on Casey's Brad Miller," Bendigo Bombers coach Adrian Hickmott told essendonfc.com.au.