Essendon’s key defensive depth has taken another hit in 2024, with 22-year-old Zach Reid exiting the field in the VFL with a shoulder injury on Sunday. The injury occurred during Essendon’s 72-point defeat to Box Hill, with the club revealing on social media that he would take no further part in the game.
This setback adds to a growing injury history for the 202cm key back. Reid was sidelined with a hamstring strain earlier this season and has managed just nine games at the top level in his four-year career thus far.
Last year, he underwent hamstring surgery after a series of concerns and also suffered a stress fracture in his back during his first year at the club, an injury that unfortunately resurfaced ahead of the 2023 season.
The off-season recruitment of Ben McKay has proved critical for the Bombers’ success so far in 2024, given their lack of depth behind him with this glaring injury concern. McKay’s presence has been a stabilizing force, allowing the Bombers to maintain their strong defensive performance despite the challenges faced by their younger players.
A top-10 pick in the 2020 draft, Reid still holds significant potential to establish himself in the AFL on a consistent basis. The club remains hopeful that this latest setback won’t sideline the young prodigy for too long, as they continue to see promise in his abilities and potential contributions to the team’s future.
For now, with the Bombers sitting second on the ladder, hope lies with Ben McKay and his ability to stay on the track while the club’s key defensive depth recovers and bolsters. The Bombers will need to navigate these injury challenges carefully to maintain their strong position and push for success in the 2024 season.
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