Bombers Name Near Full Strength Squad

Essendon have named a a near full strength squad for this Friday nights NAB Cup Quarter Final against Brisbane at the Phone Dome.

The returns of Scott Lucas, Jason Winderlich and Aaron Davey lead the inclusions to the side that defeated the Western Bulldogs on February 13.

“We’re really excited about having them in for their first games for the year,” assistant coach Gary O’Donnell said. “Certainly Winderlich has come through now. He has the odd set-back, and the medical staff hold him back, but he’s ready to go and we’re really excited about it.”

The winner of the match will play the winner of Thursday’s Richmond & Collingwood in the NAB Cup Semi Finals.

Essendon: Jay Neagle, Ricky Dyson, Scott Gumbleton, Jobe Watson, Angus Monfries, Leroy Jetta, Jason Winderlich, Mark McVeigh, David Zaharakis, Andrew Lovett, Sam Lonergan, Courtenay Dempsey, Jay Nash, Matthew Lloyd, David Hille, Henry Slattery , Hayden Skipworth, David Myers, Scott Lucas, Cale Hooker, Darcy Daniher, Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher, Adam McPhee, Tyson Slattery, Heath Hocking, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Tom Bellchambers.

Brisbane: Mitch Clark, Albert Proud, Scott Harding, Luke Power, Jed Adcock, Tim Notting, Ashley McGrath, Daniel Rich, Justin Sherman, James Hawksley, Lachlan Henderson, Matt Tyler, Tom Collier, Matthew Leuenberger, Joel Patfull, Joel Macdonald, Troy Selwood, Jason Roe, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne, Cheynee Stiller, Rhan Hooper, Bradd Dalziell, Daniel Bradshaw, Matt Austin, Josh Drummond, Scott Clouston, Daniel Dzufer (rookie) and Adam Spackman (rookie)