TonyK
CibbuanoFletcher to face Lions
July 9th 2008 06:56
ESSENDON has received a massive boost ahead of Saturday night's crucial clash against Brsibane at Telstra Dome with veteran defender Dustin Fletcher declared a certain starter by coach Matthew Knights.
The Bombers had feared that Fletcher had broken his hand during the club's four-point win over Fremantle in round fourteen, but Knights said scans had cleared the 33-year-old of any damage.
"Dustin will play, there are no problems there," Knights said.
"We thought during the Fremantle game that Dustin did break his hand but that wasn't the case - we took x-rays and scans so he is clear."
"He has trained pretty well through last week and it's probably good to have him available with the two big boys up the other end for Brisbane with Bradshaw and Brown because they are great players."
Fletcher's availability is vital for the Bombers who are already missing several defenders.
Already without promising youngster David Myers due to foot problems, the Bombers have now lost Courtney Johns for the remainder of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, while veteran Mal Michael - who has not played since round eight - is out with a rib injury sustained while playing for Bendigo last week.
Despite the lack of key defenders, Knights said he was confident his defence will be able to contain with one of the AFL's most potent forward lines.
"One of the strong points over the last four to six weeks is we have had continuity in personnel," Knights said.
"For the first period of the season we were having five or six changes a week but what we have been able to do over the last five or six weeks is keep a pretty consistent line-up and our back six are getting used to playing together - which is great."
The Bombers will also regain midfielder Henry Slattery who suffered a cheekbone injury after backing into the path of Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola in round 13.
With three wins in a row the Bombers have moved to within two games of the top eight but Knights said he was still focused on developing his side.
"People were talking wooden spoons (for Essendon) three or four weeks ago," he said.
"The reality is we are two games and percentage out of the eight but I can't really focus on that because we have got to make sure we are developing our players."
"We are getting a better balance consistently over the last month but we are a long way from the action (and) that (beating a top eight side) would be great for the group."
"But in saying that we don't like discounting winning games whoever we play because it's a tough league and the form lines keep changing."
The Bombers had feared that Fletcher had broken his hand during the club's four-point win over Fremantle in round fourteen, but Knights said scans had cleared the 33-year-old of any damage.
"Dustin will play, there are no problems there," Knights said.
"We thought during the Fremantle game that Dustin did break his hand but that wasn't the case - we took x-rays and scans so he is clear."
"He has trained pretty well through last week and it's probably good to have him available with the two big boys up the other end for Brisbane with Bradshaw and Brown because they are great players."
Fletcher's availability is vital for the Bombers who are already missing several defenders.
Already without promising youngster David Myers due to foot problems, the Bombers have now lost Courtney Johns for the remainder of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, while veteran Mal Michael - who has not played since round eight - is out with a rib injury sustained while playing for Bendigo last week.
Despite the lack of key defenders, Knights said he was confident his defence will be able to contain with one of the AFL's most potent forward lines.
"One of the strong points over the last four to six weeks is we have had continuity in personnel," Knights said.
"For the first period of the season we were having five or six changes a week but what we have been able to do over the last five or six weeks is keep a pretty consistent line-up and our back six are getting used to playing together - which is great."
The Bombers will also regain midfielder Henry Slattery who suffered a cheekbone injury after backing into the path of Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola in round 13.
With three wins in a row the Bombers have moved to within two games of the top eight but Knights said he was still focused on developing his side.
"People were talking wooden spoons (for Essendon) three or four weeks ago," he said.
"The reality is we are two games and percentage out of the eight but I can't really focus on that because we have got to make sure we are developing our players."
"We are getting a better balance consistently over the last month but we are a long way from the action (and) that (beating a top eight side) would be great for the group."
"But in saying that we don't like discounting winning games whoever we play because it's a tough league and the form lines keep changing."
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