Essendon provide update on “hampered” forward, veteran step closer to AFL return

“Hopefully he’ll be available next week.”

Essendon are confident forward Jye Menzie will be available for next week’s clash with Adelaide after hurting his shoulder on Friday night, while veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel is a step closer to making his AFL return.

The Bombers took a cautious with Menzie after the small forward was left “hampered” by a knock to his already strapped shoulder, with tactical sub Nick Hind on standby and seen as a fitting replacement.

Speaking after his side’s 29-point victory, Scott said Menzie could’ve continued in the match but will need further assessment on the ailment heading into their Round 6 trip to South Australia.

“We subbed him out because, while we were told he could keep playing, he just looked hampered,” Scott said.

“The medical staff aren’t concerned about it necessarily, we just had that luxury of a like-for-like player (for the sub change). So we activated that sub out of precaution.

“Hopefully he’ll be available next week.”

Hind came into the game to have a late impact in the win, collecting five disposals and laying two tackles (both inside 50) to add to his limited 2024 campaign.

It was the third successive game where Hind started as the tactical sub, with Scott set to weigh up whether the veteran utility plays a full game at AFL or VFL level in the coming weeks.

“Yeah, he will (need a full game) at some point,” the Bombers coach admitted.

“Hindy’s problem is a good problem for our team, because he’s an energising player. When he comes on fresh and buzzes around it’s good for us, and he has flexibility in playing all parts of the ground.

“He fits that role really well at the moment, but I don’t think it’s something he can continue to do for a long period of time.

“Hopefully we get some more availability and he can play a slightly different role for us.”

Essendon’s selection committee will be aided by Shiel’s progress from a troubling foot concern that hindered his 2023 season, with the veteran midfielder making his return to the field earlier on Friday in the VFL.

Shiel collected 18 disposals and six clearances in the loss to Footscray, with Scott satisfied with the former GWS talent’s comeback performance.

“Dylan Shiel made his return through the VFL and looked really sharp,” Scott added.

“We had some good performances, particularly in the first half, but it’s hard when you play before the AFL as you sort of want your emergencies to play and need some cover.

“Shiely is the one who we’ll look to ramp him up next week or a bit later, but it’s just great to see him back playing footy.”

Essendon are unlikely to have any of Matt Guelfi (calf), Will Setterfield (knee) or Archie Perkins (hamstring) for next week’s clash with the Crows at least, while forward Tex Wanganeen was another to make his return from a footy injury in the VFL.

The Bombers will head to Adelaide in Round 6 for a clash with the Crows, carrying a 3-2 recording into the clash.