McPhee Doubtful For Pies

Essendon's popular $288k DT def/forward Adam McPhee is facing a race against time to be fit for Friday's Collingwood game due to a calfed cork.

McPhee, owned by almost 20,000 DT coaches, missed Essendon's last match against Carlton due to the calf problem and is still struggling with the injury.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said on Tuesday, "He must train well today. I spoke to him about half an hour ago and I said, 'You would have to train at full throttle and get through the session to be put up for selection.'

"That's probably still a question mark at this stage with Adam. I won't be playing him unless he's 100 per cent fit."

Meanwhile, fellow Bomber Mark McVeigh will not play against the Magpies after copping a one-match internal suspension for missing a training session.

$318k midfielder McVeigh, who has only recently returned from injury, missed the Carlton game through suspension before skipping a club training session on Sunday, forcing the Bombers to discipline him.

All this could open the door for $134k defender Michael Hurley, owned by over 15,000 DT coaches, after he impressed in the reserves on the weekend.