Essendon great Tim Watson says playing small forward Orazio Fantasia would be a “risk” until he can prove he has overcome various injury complaints.
Fantasia suffered a calf setback on the eve of the season restart and missed the club’s six-point win against Sydney on Sunday.
Watson said while playing him this weekend remained risky, he has no such concerns with bringing defender Conor McKenna back into the side for this week’s clash with Melbourne.
“Until Orazio can prove that he can play week in, week out across four quarters, I think he’s going to be a risk,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“McKenna is not so much of a risk, the way he’s been described to me is he’s in showroom condition.
“They’ve won their two games so I don’t think they’re desperate in any way so they would have to be absolutely convinced that they’re cherry ripe to play.
“Based on the performances of others last week, there’s probably some spots (in the side) available.”
The Bombers have won their opening two games and face Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.