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McVeigh not included in Bombers squad

By Mr Dandalooa

Essendon will not risk playing experienced midfielder Mark McVeigh in their AFL clash against the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval tomorrow night.

Reports this week say McVeigh is back training after he was hospitalised last week with an infected elbow.

Bombers assistant coach Ashley Prescott the onballer would not go to Perth and instead was likely to play in the reserves this weekend.

Meanwhile, key-position forward Michael Hurley will return from a club imposed three-game suspension to play for the Bombers after the promising 192cm gun came into selection contention after a 4-goal performance for the Bendigo Bombers last Saturday.

Hurley said on the club’s website it was great to be back in the team and that he can’t wait to run out for the Bombers on Friday night.

“I am very proud of being an Essendon player and I can’t wait to represent the club again,” he was reported as saying.

The Bombers suspended Hurley for all pre-season cup and challenge games and for the first three games of the season for a post-season incident and he was also required to complete an alcohol counseling course.

The 19-year-old said:  “It will be good to get the chance to repay the faith the club has shown in me and hopefully we can get a win for our fans.”

FootyGoss understands, Ashley Hanson will be free to play for the Eagles.

The match day report laid against Hansen for striking North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells in Saturday’s match was assessed and the view of the panel was that Hansen’s arm was extended in a tackling motion, not a striking motion and that the force used was below that required to constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.