Essendon say they will wait until after the club’s main training session on Thursday before making definitive calls on the availability of Orazio Fantasia, Ben McNiece and David Myers for Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Neither prolific goal sneak Fantasia, injury-plagued midfielder Myers, nor small defender McNiece have appeared in the opening two rounds, with Fantasia’s start to the season delayed by minor knee surgery, Myers sidelined with a calf complaint, and McNiece hindered by a hamstring ailment.

All three are in the frame to return this weekend, but the Dons are yet to confirm whether any of the trio will play. Bombers high performance chief Justin Crow said on the club’s website that Fantasia was closing in on a return.

“Orazio had a big match simulation on the weekend, he trained well there,” Crow said.

“He’ll train again on Thursday with the rest of the group. We’ll wait and see how he goes in that session before making a final decision on whether he plays or not.”