Sam Draper of the Bombers
Essendon will be without Sam Draper for a significant period, including the crucial Round 13 clash with Carlton, after the ruckman underwent knee surgery on Tuesday.
The Bombers confirmed Draper was sent for a knee arthroscopy due to a meniscus issue that kept him out of the past two consecutive wins over West Coast and GWS.
This follows a delayed start to the season for the 25-year-old as he recovered from surgery on a groin issue that plagued him during 2023.
Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson stated that Draper is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
“Sam is an important player for us, both for our structure and for the energy he provides to the team, so we wanted to get on top of this issue as quickly as possible,” McPherson said. “After a couple of days of recovery post-operation, he will undertake a rehab program which we expect will have him available to return to play just after our mid-season bye.”
Bombers coach Brad Scott had been enjoying the flexibility of using Draper and veteran recruit Todd Goldstein in tandem in the ruck but mentioned he was “not locked in” to sticking with a taller line-up with two specialist ruckmen.
Essendon’s back-up ruck options include Nick Bryan and untried 18-year-old rookie Vigo Visentini.
GWS was dealt a horror double injury blow in the loss to the Bombers on Saturday and will be without both Josh Kelly and Lachie Ash for six weeks due to calf tendon injuries.
Giants medical boss James Rahme said the pair had played out the game and only became aware of the injuries when they pulled up sore after the Marvel Stadium clash.
“It’s disappointing news for both Josh and Lachie,” Rahme said. “They played out the game on the weekend with their calf issues only becoming apparent in the days following. They’re both the ultimate professionals and will attack their rehab to return after the bye.”
Key defender Leek Aleer, who was impressive in Sam Taylor’s absence against Carlton three weeks ago, will also miss at least a week after he was concussed in the VFL.
