Dons likely to join in

ESSENDON could welcome back a slew of first-choice players for their final practice match against Geelong in Bendigo on March 12.

The Bombers headed into Sunday’s pre-season hit-out against Gold Coast without captain Dyson Heppell, vicecaptain Zach Merrett, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis, Mark Baguley, Orazio Fantasia, Patrick Ambrose, James Kelly, Matt Dea and David Myers.

Coach John Worsfold envisaged a much stronger lineup for their third and final practice match before the premiership season begins – suggesting that Zaharakis, Merrett and Dyson Heppell could play.