The fitness of Tom Papley and Lance Franklin will be determined later in the week with the pair vying to be named in the team to take on Essendon at the SCG on Friday night.

Papley coped a heavy hit in Saturday’s loss to Brisbane at the Gabba and will train with teammates on Wednesday in order to prove his fitness.

Head of Football Charlie Gardiner said he was hopeful the small forward would be fit to take his place in the side.

“He pulled up a little bit sore after coping a heavy knock to his chest and ribs,” Gardiner said.

“We are hopeful that he will train tomorrow and get up for the game but he is still to be assessed after training tomorrow.”

Franklin has missed the last fortnight with a hamstring strain and will get the chance to prove his fitness on the training track on Wednesday.

“He will train tomorrow and we will just have to see how he pulls up from training and then we will make a call whether he plays later in the week,” Gardiner said.

Daniel Menzel will run out for his first game for the club on Saturday, with the 27-year-old expected to play restricted minutes in the NEAFL side as it takes on Sydney University at Henson Park.

Speedster Harry Cunningham will miss the next six to eight weeks after suffering a torn adductor against Brisbane on Saturday.

Defender Nick Smith underwent surgery on Tuesday afternoon as he continues to recover from a hamstring tendon injury suffered late in the 2018 season.

“Unfortunately, Nick hasn’t been able to get back to full training so a decision was made earlier this week to undergo some more surgery on that hamstring,” Gardiner said.

“We are hoping the surgery will relieve some of the scar tissue around the hamstring.

“Hopefully that will see Nick’s issue behind him and we can see him back out on the park soon.”

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