AFL Injury News: Essendon Bombers ruck Sam Draper set to return after 4 weeks, 3 others in contention for West Coast clash 

The return of four key players, including ruckman Sam Draper from injuries this weekend, could bolster the Essendon Bombers following their bye round. Sam Draper had knee surgery in mid-May and had to be away for four weeks. The ruckman is now in the mix to play in Round 16.

Mason Redman’s recovery from a hamstring strain was perfected during the break, and he could be available this weekend provided the training sessions are hitch-free.

Since Round 9 and 11, Xavier Duursma and Ben Hobbs have been missing in action following quad and calf injuries. The duo is set to make a return this week.

Will Setterfield will undergo fitness tests this week after a late sub out of the Round 13 loss to Carlton due to knee soreness.

With these additions to the team, Essendon just might have a bigger chance at an impressive second half of the season, beginning with Sunday’s clash against the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium.

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Full injury list for Essendon Bombers ahead of Round 16

AFL Rd 9 - Essendon v GWS

The Essendon Bombers have had quite a run this season and are currently in fourth place on the AFL season ladder. In the last 15 rounds, the Bombers have suffered a number of injury losses. Below is a concise list of those currently out or awaiting final fitness tests.

Jaiden Hunter - ACL - Season

Saad El-Hawli - Ankle - 6-7 weeks

Kaine Baldwin - Navicular stress - 3-6 weeks

Darcy Parish - Calf - 4 weeks

Zach Reid - Pectoral - TBC

Ben Hobbs - Calf - Test

Mason Redman - Hamstring - Test

Sam Draper - Knee - Test

Will Setterfield - Knee - Test

Xavier Duursma - Quad - Test

Defender Kaine Baldwin had to sit out the rest of the week after reporting some ankle soreness post training last week. With some further investigation, it was revealed that his previous navicular bone stress injury had been mildly irritated. He will need to deload for a while before ramping up his training again eventually.

Forward Jaiden Hunter suffered a significant setback with an ACL injury in January in a marking contest during a match simulation which would have him sit out the entire 2024 season. This marks Hunter’s second ACL injury in just over two years. His rehabilitation journey is being closely monitored as he recovers from this severe injury.

Darcy Parish has been sidelined due to a minor calf strain. The injury, which was confirmed after scans, is expected to keep him out for the next three games. Parish experienced soreness before the Round 10 clash against North Melbourne and was a late withdrawal. Essendon hopes to have him back after the mid-season bye.

Saad El-Hawli has been sidelined with an ankle injury, which will see him out of action for the next 6-8 weeks. A series of tests and evaluations that revealed the extent of the damage. El-Hawli will undergo a period of deloading before gradually resuming his training.

Young defender Zach Reid will be out for most of what’s left of the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a VFL match against Box Hill. The 22-year-old's injury occurred while making a tackle in the third quarter, and subsequent scans confirmed the need for surgery.