Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is a chance to return to the Bombers line up when his side faces North Melbourne on Saturday.

Heppell was a late withdrawal from the Bombers' side that defeated Sydney due to a foot complaint, but is hopeful of a quick return.

The Bombers' skipper was in inspired form the last time the two sides met, collecting 34 disposals.

“Dyson has an unfused growth plate in his foot, he also has the same in his other side, which he eventually had pinned a few years ago,” Essendon physical performance manager Justin Crow said.

“From time to time that gets sore. He was at the point at the end of last week where that soreness wasn’t at the point where we were prepared to put him into a game.

“We’ve given him a bit of time in the moon boot to see how much that settles this week and we’ll be testing him towards the end of this week to see whether or not he becomes available to play.” 

Michael Hurley underwent scans on Monday, but is unlikely to miss the clash with the Roos. 

“Michael has been managing his hips over a few years now. We just got a scan to check the current state of that hip joint,” Crow said. 

“He’ll be monitored throughout this week, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be available come match day.”