ESSENDON will be forced into at least one change at the selection table for Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium with defender Conor McKenna suspended for three weeks.
McKenna pleaded guilty at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night to a serious misconduct charge, admitting to a “quick nip” on Western Bulldog Tory Dickson.
McKenna will be available to return for Essendon’s clash with St Kilda in round seven but his absence will open the door for the return of key defender Patrick Ambrose.
Ambrose broke his wrist and had surgery in the pre-season but an x-ray on Monday showed the 26 year-old had made a full recovery.
He’ll have to prove he is ready to return by completing the club’s main training session.
Another defender in the mix to return for the Bombers is Ben McNiece who was close to returning from a hamstring injury against the Western Bulldogs.
The Bombers came from behind to beat Adelaide in round one at Etihad Stadium but have lost their past two clashes against Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs in disappointing fashion.
Coach John Worsfold said Sunday's 21-point loss to the Dogs was as bad as any in his time at the club, and the Bombers will be keen to respond against the Power.
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