Changes At Windy Hill

Essendon coach Matthew Knights has revealed a couple of senior Bombers are in the mix to return for Friday's AFL match against Melbourne.

Knights claimed $255k veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (leg), $396k midfielder Jason Winderlich (ankle) and $338k club stalwart Andrew Welsh (leg) were close to returning after injuries.

"All will play on Friday night, pending today's (Tuesday's) training session," Knights admitted, including $306k youngster Kyle Reimers who returned in Round 11 after injury.

Knights added, "Fletcher will come in, it's been seven weeks now for Dustin, he's had a good three or four weeks on the training track, so he'll come into the side.

"We're looking to bring Andrew Welsh back in, which has been a marvellous comeback.

"Jason's (Winderlich) first major training session is today – if he gets through he'll come back into the 22."

And in more positive news, the Bombers coach also revealed $214k midfielder Henry Slattery was close to a return but perhaps doubtful for Friday's game after a hamstring problem.

"Slattery would have to really impress me today to come into the team," Knights said.

In other injury news, Essendon also made it known big $222k ruckman Jason Laycock will miss the rest of the season with the foot injury he's been battling.

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DreamTeam Update: Tribunal Pleas

The AFL tribunal will not meet this week after no charges from the weekend where serious enough to warrant it.

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt was up for a striking charge on West Coast's Daniel Kerr, but the $278k Tiger forward opted to accept a reprimand.

Thus Riewoldt is free to play next week and the AFL tribunal is free to enjoy a night off.

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Judd Good To Go

DreamTeam coaches can breathe a big sigh of relief after Carlton confirmed star midfielder Chris Judd would be fine to face Essendon next round.

Judd sustained a broken nose in Friday night's loss against St Kilda and underwent surgery on Saturday.

But the former Eagle returned to training on Monday and is ready to go.

Carlton football manager Steven Icke said, "We were a bit surprised he came out and trained, but such is the quality and professionalism of the player that nothing should surprise. He trained well."

In other injury news at Carlton, Simon Wiggins will be available for the Bombers game after shaking off a hamstring problem, along with Bret Thornton who was a late withdrawal on Friday.

Carlton also revealed ruckman Robbie Warnock was a fortnight away from a VFL return, while Andrew Walker was a month off.

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