Draper poised for Bombers return, Parish no guarantee

Ruck dynamo Sam Draper is set to partner with Todd Goldstein for the first time after being cleared to return in Essendon's bumper AFL clash with Sydney.

But Bombers coach Brad Scott won't guarantee selection for gun midfielder Darcy Parish after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Essendon have been patient with Draper, 25, after he had surgery in September on a groin injury that ruined the second half of his 2023 season.

But after playing three VFL practice matches, Draper only needed to complete Wednesday's main training to earn selection for Saturday night's SCG showdown with Swans recruit Brodie Grundy.

"Drapes is certainly right in the mix on the back of a conservative long-term rehab," Scott said.

"And based on last year, we really missed him. So we were determined that once we get him back, we've got him back for good.

"But he's certainly done everything in his power to make himself available this week. So provided he trains well, I suspect we'll pick him.

"My only two cents' worth is let's do everything that we can to get him back to the Sam Draper that we know and not just try and rush to get him back because he makes our team look better on paper.

"So it's about getting him back to his best and as long as that takes is as long as it takes.

"The way that he's looked and he's played now three VFL games, which has frustrated him, because he feels like he's ready to go. So that's the attitude I want - him to (be) chomping at the bit."

Billy Frampton and Sam Draper.
Magpie Billy Frampton and Sam Draper prepare for an umpire's ball-up.

Parish trained on Wednesday after missing Essendon's win over Hawthorn on Saturday.

"I expect he'll be made medically available," Scott said.

"It'll come down to more of a coaching decision rather than a medical decision, which is the way we'd like it.

"The medical team rule players out but they don't rule players in. So if he's medically available and trains well, he'll play."

Scott is pondering whether to keep Archie Perkins in midfield after a breakout performance against the Hawks, especially against big-bodied Sydney stars Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner.

"It'll depend on whether Parish is available or whether we choose to pick him," Scott said.

"There's options through that dynamic in there, but we couldn't have been happier with Perks' performance last week. He's a very flexible player. 

"I perhaps unfairly likened him to Isaac Heeney, referencing the position they play - very good forwards but clearly very good midfielders as well. So he'll play the role that he and we think is best for the team."

Mason Redman (suspension), Zach Reid (hamstring) and Matt Guelfi (calf) are all sidelined.

Scott indicated versatile tall Nik Cox could settle down back in Reid's absence. Jayden Laverde is no guarantee to earn a recall, while midfielder Ben Hobbs could return.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store