Essendon may be strengthened by the return of up to four players from injury this weekend after their bye round.
The break has been beneficial for Mason Redman, who is recovering from a hamstring strain and is expected to be available if he successfully completes training.
Xavier Duursma and Ben Hobbs are both aiming for a return this week, hoping to make their first appearances since rounds nine and 11, respectively, after quad and calf injuries.
Ruckman Sam Draper is also in contention to play following knee surgery in mid-May. Will Setterfield will be evaluated this week after being subbed out with knee soreness late in the round 13 loss to the Blues.
This group of returning players is set to provide the Dons with a significant boost as they enter the second half of their campaign, starting with Sunday’s game against the Eagles at Marvel Stadium.
However, defender Kaine Baldwin has encountered a setback with ankle soreness following training last week. Further investigation revealed a minor irritation of his previous navicular bone stress injury, requiring a brief period of reduced activity before ramping up his training again in the coming weeks.
Essendon Round 15 Injury List
| Name | Injury | Weeks |
|—————–|——————–|————-|
| Mason Redman | Hamstring | Test |
| Ben Hobbs | Calf | Test |
| Xavier Duursma | Quad | Test |
| Will Setterfield| Knee | Test |
| Sam Draper | Knee | Test |
| Kaine Baldwin | Navicular stress | 3-6 weeks |
| Darcy Parish | Calf | 4 weeks |
| Saad El-Hawli | Ankle | 6-7 weeks |
| Zach Reid | Pectoral | TBC |
| Jaiden Hunter | ACL | Season |
