Joe Daniher will return to football this week, but Essendon is weighing up where his much-anticipated comeback will be staged.
Despite his long absence, the Bombers have not ruled out taking Daniher to the top end on Friday for the history-making Dreamtime in Darwin clash with Richmond the following night.
Essendon sources said Daniher had a “small chance” of playing at the top level this weekend. But after not playing since Round 9 last season and only 11 matches since the start of 2018 due to a debilitating groin injury, it is said that the more likely scenario has him playing in a scratch match on the Gold Coast.
The decision rests on how satisfied the Dons coaching staff is with the quality and quantity of Daniher’s training sessions.
However, Essendon officials are scrambling to arrange that scratch match given they will have staff required in Darwin and perhaps only 6-8 players available given their injury issues.
There might be three or four teams involved in this match simulation, which is becoming a more common occurrence late in the season.
Winless since Round 8, the Bombers will be bolstered by the return of Devon Smith, Aaron Francis, Tom Bellchambers and Mason Redman for the Tigers game. Jake Stringer (ankle), Cale Hooker (calf) and Orazio Fantasia (calf) are also close.