Essendon Football Club is facing further setbacks as young forward Nate Caddy is sidelined due to groin soreness, missing the crucial round 19 match against GWS. This development is particularly concerning for fans, as the club has already been plagued by injuries throughout the season. Caddy’s absence adds to an extensive injury list that now includes 14 players, which constitutes about 30% of the roster.
The Bombers recently lost Nic Martin to an ACL injury and Will Setterfield to a foot issue, both ruled out for the remainder of the season. Other players, such as Sam Draper, Zach Reid, and Nick Bryan, will also be unavailable while Ben McKay, Darcy Parish, and Harrison Jones remain uncertain for upcoming games.
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd expressed his disbelief at the extent of injuries affecting the club this year, describing it as a “horror year” where fielding a competitive team has become increasingly difficult. The situation is exacerbated by multiple ACL injuries and various soft tissue complaints within the squad. Lloyd suggested that a fresh start would be beneficial for the Bombers as the season draws to a close.
Interestingly, despite their struggles, Essendon has been slated for several prime-time matches in the final six weeks of the season, with their schedule featuring Thursday or Friday night games nearly every round until the end. This scheduling is partly due to a rescheduling of their opening match against Gold Coast, which will also see them likely playing twice in the final round against the Blues and the Suns.
The AFL’s focus on Essendon and Carlton during the latter part of the season has attracted criticism, with calls for reform on how fixtures are determined. Nevertheless, amidst their ongoing challenges, Essendon remains in the limelight, expected to draw attention regardless of their current form or injury woes.