The coach admitted there was some doubt over whether 40-year-old backman Dustin Fletcher would play again for Essendon, as he still had not managed to overcome groin injuries he picked up in his 400th match.

The Bombers face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, with the Kangaroos playing for a finals spot and Essendon "playing for pride", according to Hird.

He said veteran Paul Chapman would most likely play in the reserves at the weekend, as he comes back from a groin injury.

Midfielders Heath Hocking and David Myers, suffering back and knee injuries respectively, were both a week or two away from returning to play.

Fletcher was still troubled by groin injuries and Hird said he was a couple of weeks away from being ready to play.

There was a small chance the reliable defender had appeared in his last AFL game.

"We have to get him fit first, and then we'll make a decision about whether he plays or doesn't play," Hird said.

"He hopes he plays again and so do we, so do all Essendon supporters hope he plays at least once more.

"I'd say he will get out there, but his groins are still pretty sore."

After a humiliating loss by more than 100 points against St Kilda, Essendon fought back with a relatively young team to beat Melbourne last weekend.

But there was seemingly no end to the Bombers woes, when Hird fell of his bike and got a concussion on Monday night while he was riding home from Bombers training.

He spent that night in hospital, returned to the club Wednesday morning, then went home to rest that afternoon – leaving some doubt over whether he would be able to coach on game day.

Hird had stated he would make his final decision on whether to coach or not on Thursday, when he used a scheduled press conference to confirm he was fit and well.

"It was a bit scary at the time, but it's time to move on and get on with footy."

The players showed enthusiasm and intensity around ball in playing together against Melbourne and Hird said he hoped they would show that again against the Roos.

He said forward Joe Daniher had grown in confidence since putting in a strong performance against the Dees.

The club had set a base standard for Daniher's performance, but understood that young players came in and out of form.