ESSENDON forward Jason Winderlich could return to face Hawthorn in Friday night’s blockbuster at Etihad Stadium after overcoming a hamstring injury.

A lightning quick forward who can push up the ground and also play across half back, the speed of the ground under the roof of Etihad Stadium would see him as a valuable inclusion for the Bombers on Friday night.

Winderlich injured his right hamstring in Essendon’s NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide on 25 February and has been back in full training since last week.

But given the 29-year-old has suffered from soft tissue injuries in the past, his history could delay his return to the senior side.

He has played just 112 games in 10 seasons with the Bombers.

“We gave him an extra week for recovery but he has been training now for almost a full week so we are confident he is right to go,” Essendon club doctor Bruce Reid told the club’s website.

Ruckman Tom Bellchambers won’t play, however, given he is still on the comeback trail from ankle surgery.

A key ruckman/forward last season, Bellchambers is a big loss for the Bombers who have had the luxury of using he and Patrick Ryder in the ruck and up forward with great success.

Bellchambers kicked 28 goals in 18 matches last season, including bags of five goals against Port Adelaide and Melbourne.