Monfries out for two weeks

ESSENDON forward Angus Monfries will be out for the next fortnight after being diagnosed with a minor hamstring strain.

The 22-year-old, who is ranked third in the Bombers' goalkicking with 16 behind Matthew Lloyd (30) and Scott Lucas (17), had an MRI on Monday that confirmed the injury.

"We are disappointed because Gus has been in good form and has been providing a bit of inspiration to his teammates in terms of work rate," football operations manager Paul Hamilton told the club website.

"He has been fairly durable over his career in regards to injuries but it is only a very minor strain and we will hopefully see him back out there soon."

The Bombers could replace Monfries with midfielder Jobe Watson, who is expected to return from the ankle injury that kept him from facing Collingwood last Friday night.

He will have a fitness test ahead of the club's trip to the Harbour City to meet the Sydney Swans on Saturday at the SCG.

Mark McVeigh is also expected to be available after withdrawing from Sunday's VFL game with general soreness, while David Myers, Bachar Houli and Michael Hurley stood out for Bendigo on the weekend and could be considered.