Brendan Goddard is set to celebrate his 300th game in Western Sydney as we take a look at all the news out of the Dons camp ahead of Saturday’s clash at Spotless Stadium.
Former Saint Brendan Goddard will notch up his 300th AFL game against the GIANTS when Essendon head to Spotless Stadium for Saturday’s afternoon’s round 11 clash
While Goddard’s mum wasn’t too keen on the trip to Sydney, the GIANTS are happy to welcome the former Dons captain for his milestone match.
"I got reminded by my mother when the draw came out and she saw Round 11 was GWS at Spotless Stadium, and she wasn't too happy about that," Goddard told the media at Tullamarine today.
Goddard spoke about how the game had changed since his debut 15 years ago.
"There's no doubt (the game) has evolved, that's the natural beast of the competition and life in general, everything evolves," he said.
"Essentially we're all sheep to the teams that are successful the year prior, or have been successful over a consistent period."
In injury news, defender Patrick Ambrose is expected to be available for selection this weekend as he nears a full recovery from a quad injury sustained ahead of round six.
High Performance Manager Justin Crow told the Bombers’ website that the last hurdle would be ensuring Ambrose has full range in his kicking.
“Paddy was really close to playing last week, but just wasn’t quite as clean as we would like,” Crow said.
“He’s had a couple of big sessions on the weekend.
“The last thing he needs to tick off is kicking a long bomb on his right side, otherwise he’s good to go.”
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The Bombers expect Aaron Francis, Kobe Mutch and Matthew Leuenberger to all be available for selection this week.
Francis spent some time in the hands of the trainers following a knock to the calf in the VFL while GIANTS Academy graduate Mutch had a knock to the hip and Leuenberger missed last week with illness.
While Essendon VFL went down in their Dreamtime game against Richmond, there were several players who put their hand up for selection should coach John Worsfold opt to make changes.
Ben Howlett was one of few that displayed solid four quarter football for the Dons, finishing with 36 disposals and two goals.
Sam Draper, Dylan Clarke, Ben McNiece and Martin Gleeson were the other names who could be in line for senior selection this week.
The GIANTS take on Essendon at Spotless Stadium on Saturday June 3 at 4.35pm with Kids in Free every game day. Click here to get your tickets now.
