Essendon star defender Michael Hurley could play in the Bombers' final JLT Series match next week after scans revealed he had no significant damage to his ankle.
The 2015 All-Australian injured his ankle in the final quarter against Gold Coast on Sunday, he left the field and played no further part in the match.
“Michael got a kick to the front of his shin, it pinched the front of his ankle at the same time,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said.
“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 JLT3.”
Related: Bombers confident on Hurley despite ankle injury
Hurley has been in excellent form in the pre-season competition so far, keeping his opponent goalless in the opening half against Collingwood and collecting 18-disposals against the Suns.
“'Hurls' has had a great pre-season overall,” Crow said.
“In JLT1, he played a half of high-speed football at Etihad.
“He got a really good hit out [against Gold Coast] and really only hurt himself in the last few minutes of the game in JLT2."
The Bombers play their final pre-season game against Geelong in Bendigo on March 12.
