Essendon key forward Sam Weideman is putting his best foot forward in hopes of making a Round 3 return from a toe injury, while key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher faces a fitness test to play this weekend after rolling his ankle against the Gold Coast Suns.
Weideman missed the Bombers' win against the Suns last Sunday, however, the former Demon appears likely to return for an important clash with St Kilda on Saturday night.
Bombers performance expert Daniel McPherson advised of the positive progression Weideman has made.
"He's improved significantly over the weekend," McPherson told club media.
"The hope is he'll take part in Thursday's main session and be available for selection."
Regarding Zerk-Thatcher, nursing a minor ankle ailment, McPherson stated the youngster's handling of main training on Thursday will determine his match availability.
"'Thatch' (Zerk-Thatcher) rolled his ankle late in the game," McPherson said.
"It's pulled up OK, we're still hopeful that he'll be a chance to play against St Kilda. We'll have to see how he handles Thursday's main training and decide post that."
Fan-favourite forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will remain absent after suffering a quad injury in his return to football in Round 1, while young ruckman Nick Bryan will spend a stint on the sidelines after succumbing to a hamstring strain at training.
In an additional positive revelation, midfielder Will Setterfield, speculated by some to be ailing from a hamstring issue, is absent from Essendon's Round 3 injury list.
The undefeated Bombers battle the unbeaten Saints at the MCG on Saturday, April 1 (7:25 PM AEDT).
