Essendon is likely to be without key defender James Gwilt for the match against Adelaide on Saturday.

Gwilt has become an important member of the Dons’ defence this season with Dustin Fletcher sidelined for most of the year and Cale Hooker playing in the forward line.

The former Saint has played 11 matches this season, but was subbed out against the Giants on Sunday.

“He’s pulled up reasonably sore, he’s got a bit of an adductor strain – not serious,” Essendon Doctor Brendan De Morton said.

“Probably miss this week and possibly another one, but we’ll see how he goes.”

Fellow key defender Michael Hurley has missed the last two weeks because of a knee problem.

He will be monitored throughout the week.

“He’s tracking pretty well,” Dr De Morton said.

“His knee is a fair bit better, he’s got a very minor medial strain.

“He’s going to do some straight line running today and if he trains well on Thursday, he’d certainly be a chance.”

Midfielder David Myers is a chance to play his first senior game since Round One after an impressive performance in the club’s VFL team last week. Myers suffered a shoulder injury in the opening five minutes of the first game of the season and has since battled a knee complaint.

Elliott Kavanagh could also come back into the team after some solid VFL form, while Alex Browne and Jake Melksham, both omitted last week, are also possibilities.

Brownlow Medallist will front the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday after collecting GWS Giant Stephen Coniglio last round and is expected to miss the clash with the Crows.