Scott Gumbleton is in fine form, but could still be dropped.
ESSENDON forward Scott Gumbleton could face the axe for Friday's clash with Geelong despite being on the hottest streak of his seven-year career.
The Bombers must find six players to make way for their returning stars.
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Coach James Hird has already forecast the return of Michael Hurley (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin), Paddy Ryder (suspension), Jake Carlisle (foot) and Jason Winderlich and Dyson Heppell (both rested).
The club has not yet ruled out Brent Stanton after he copped a heavy knock to his groin against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
Stanton had scans after the game that are believed to have ruled out muscle damage, but he will have to train well today to be considered for the Etihad Stadium clash.
Gumbleton, 24, has kicked 9.3 in three games but, with first-choice forwards in Hurley, Ryder and Stewart Crameri all fit, it may be hard to squeeze him in.
David Hille and Tayte Pears seem likely exclusions for Ryder and Fletcher respectively, while Nick Kommer, Leroy Jetta and Jackson Merrett would be among the contenders to make way.
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Essendon will be determined to stretch Geelong's defence and ensure key back Harry Taylor does not push into attack, but a forward line with Hurley, Ryder, Crameri and Gumbleton would surely be too top-heavy.
Hird has already flagged several tough decisions at Thursday's selection meeting.
"We've got a really good squad, a really fit squad, and we've got guys playing good football. We'll have a challenge to pick a team, and there will be some guys who will miss out and be unlucky, but we'll assess that as the week goes on," Hird said.
Geelong expects Paul Chapman (hamstring) to be fit despite a fortnight out of the side.
But while Nathan Vardy kicked six goals for the Cats in the VFL on Saturday, he is likely to need more time before returning to the AFL.
"The plan is to play him for as long as he needs to get match conditioning and I dare say that will be for a few more weeks yet, there's no question about that," Geelong's VFL coach Matthew Knights said on the weekend.
"Let's hope he keeps being able to string training sessions and games together and in the coming weeks, down the track, he can push for senior selection."
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