Essendon Football Club has been dealt a significant blow with the news that ruckman Sam Draper is set to be sidelined for nearly two months due to knee surgery. The towering big man, who has been an integral part of the Bombers’ lineup, has been grappling with knee soreness, prompting the decision for surgical intervention.
Draper’s absence will be keenly felt by the Bombers, who have relied on his imposing presence and energy on the field. With the club opting for surgery to address the issue promptly, Draper is expected to miss the next four matches and will undergo a rehabilitation program in the hopes of making a full recovery following the team’s Round 14 bye.
“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,” commented Bombers football boss Daniel McPherson in a club update. “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.”
In Draper’s absence, veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein is set to shoulder the ruck workload, bringing his wealth of experience to the fore. Goldstein’s leadership and expertise will be crucial as Essendon navigates through this challenging period without Draper anchoring their ruck division.
On a brighter note, Essendon is on the verge of welcoming back defender Jordan Ridley from a serious quad strain, providing a timely boost to the team’s defensive stocks. Additionally, small forward Jye Menzie showcased a successful return from a recent shoulder injury in the VFL clash against Williamstown over the weekend, further bolstering Essendon’s depth.
As the Bombers regroup and adapt to the absence of Draper, they remain focused on maintaining their competitive edge and pushing forward with determination. With reinforcements on the horizon and a resilient spirit within the squad, Essendon is poised to overcome this setback and continue their pursuit of success in the AFL.