Essendon might be with out Sam Draper for a big interval, together with an vital spherical 13 conflict with Carlton, after the ruckman underwent knee surgical procedure on Tuesday.
The Bombers confirmed Draper was despatched for a knee arthroscopy after a meniscus challenge stored him out of two consecutive wins over West Coast and GWS previously fortnight.
It comes after the 25-year-old made a delayed begin to the season as he recovered from surgical procedure on a groin challenge that plagued him throughout 2023.
Essendon soccer boss Daniel McPherson stated Draper was anticipated to overlook six to eight weeks.
“Sam is a crucial participant for us, each for our construction and for the vitality he supplies to the group, so we wished to get on high of this challenge as rapidly as attainable,” McPherson stated.
“After a few days of restoration post-operation, he’ll undertake a rehab program which we anticipate may have him out there to return to play simply after our mid-season bye.”
Bombers coach Brad Scott stated he had been having fun with the pliability of utilizing Draper and veteran recruit Todd Goldstein in tandem within the ruck, however he was “not locked in” to sticking with a taller line-up with two specialist ruckmen.
Nick Bryan and untried 18-year-old rookie Vigo Visentini are Essendon’s back-up ruck choices.
