McVeigh Confirmed To Return

Essendon coach Matthew Knights has confirmed cheap $268k midfielder Mark McVeigh will return after suspension this weekend.

Knights said: "He'll come straight into the line-up this weekend.

"It'll be great to have Mark back in the team. He played with Bendigo last weekend and performed really well.

"It's quite frustrating for him after having a great summer that he had to sit out and watch that Geelong game last Friday night.

$202k forward Jay Neagle had an ankle injury scare on the weekend but Knights added: "Injury-wise we're fine.

"Jay Neagle's fine, his ankle pulled up really well and he'll do a little bit of light training today and we'll assume he'll be right to train on Thursday."

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Sylvia Close, Watts Not: Bailey

Melbourne's $418k fwd/mid Colin Sylvia could be a chance to return for the Dees on the weekend after a broken jaw.

Demons coach Dean Bailey said today: "We'll see how he gets through training tomorrow.

"He's probably got to do more than he did last week, but he's very keen to play. He was very keen to play Round One but medically he wasn't prepared.

"This week we'll see how he trains tomorrow, if he gets through training on Friday then I'm sure Colin will be a good player for to play on the weekend."

Bailey also commented about popular $145k fwd Jack Watts' immediate future.

"We won't play Jack until he plays a few more games at Casey to get his fitness back up," he said.

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Sloane Out For 6- Crows Injury Update

Injured Adelaide youngster Rory Sloane is expected to miss six weeks due to ankle ligament damage sustained on Sunday's loss to Freo.

Meanwhile, Scott Stevens ($274k def) is in doubt for Round Two after being concussed against the Dockers.

And Round One late withdrawal Graham Johncock ($358k def) will miss at least another fortnight with a fractured thumb.

There is some good news from Adelaide, with Chris Knights, Ivan Maric, Jason Porplyzia and Brett Burton closer to returns.

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Match Review Panel for Round 1

The Match Review Panel decided to give Essendon's David Hille a reprieve for his late hit on Geelong's Jimmy Bartel. I found it pretty staggering and here's a story on it (please have a look and comment on it).
http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/03/30/can-the-match-review-panel-find-some-consistency/

Elsewhere, Justin Koschitzke will accept a three-week ban for his heavy bump over Nick Malceski. Saints coach Ross Lyon declared so on On The Couch on Monday night.

While Zac Dawson escaped punishment for his hit on Tadgh Kennelly.

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