Essendon are likely to recall Michael Hurley as they seek to extend a red-hot run with victory over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Bombers will be forced to make at least one change for the Dreamtime at the G' game, with key defender Patrick Ambrose suffering a calf injury in their 35-point win over Greater Western Sydney.
Two-time All Australian Hurley, who has been sidelined during the past fortnight because of a hamstring injury, looms as the obvious replacement.
"If he gets through training, which we fully expect he will, it's great to have him available to have a look at," Essendon coach John Worsfold said.
"That's certainly one option, we'll work through what our best blend looks like to take on Richmond's forward line."
Young defender Aaron Francis, who returned to the club in March after taking personal leave to deal with a mental-health issue, has impressed in the VFL.
"His match fitness, we would suggest, is pretty much ready now. He'll still get more match-hardened with more games under his belt," Worsfold said.
"Aaron's worked really hard.
"I've been watching what he's been doing and I knew what his program was. We know he's a really talented young man, so (I'm) not surprised."
Worsfold's side, under immense pressure following a shock loss to Carlton in round eight, snapped a four-match losing streak against Geelong then followed it up with an impressive triumph over GWS.
The Tigers, who sit second on the ladder with an 8-2 record, would be the Bombers' most meaningful scalp of the year.
"They're the benchmark in certain styles of the way they play. They're obviously the reigning premiers and they're playing really exciting footy," Worsfold said.
"We just see Richmond, not necessarily as the benchmark of the competition, but more as just our benchmark this week for what we want to challenge ourselves to bring.
"We've still got a fair way to go in terms of what we're all about."
