Former premiership Tiger Alex Rance has been linked to a stunning return with Essendon's VFL side for this weekend.
The Bombers are set to play Southport in Queensland this Sunday while a majority of the competition remains in lockdown in Victoria.
The Herald Sun reports Rance could join Essendon for the clash as he is currently residing in the Sunshine State on holiday.
A close relationship with Bombers senior coach Ben Rutten is understood to play a part should Rance run out in a red sash this weekend, however an official decision is yet to be made.
The Bombers' AFL squad are also placed in Queensland, and are set to play Greater Western Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.
A five-time All-Australian defender, should Rance join the Bombers' VFL side this weekend, he would be sure to add plenty of poise in defense.
The 31-year-old featured for Goulburn Valley League side Seymour earlier this season for one match in what was a highly-anticipated comeback for the champion Tiger, who has not played AFL since early into the 2019 season.
According toย The Age'sย Daniel Cherny, Rance could be joined by former St Kilda forward Patrick McCartin in the red sash.
McCartin, who joined Sydney's VFL side this season, is in line to link up with the Bombers' reserves as the Swans are scheduled for a bye this weekend.
As flagged last night by @ClarkyHeraldSun, it appears Alex Rance will play for Essendon VFL v Southport on Sunday. With Sydney having a VFL bye, it also looks like Paddy McCartin will play for the Bombers. Signs of the very weird times!
— Daniel Cherny ๐ฐ (@DanielCherny) July 22, 2021
In a similar fate to last season, VFL squads are teaming up to fill void list spots and hand AFL-listed players more minutes in the reserves.
Adelaide are set to play in a combined scratch match with Geelong and Richmond on Sunday at Punt Road.
