Damage-smashed Bombers seeing gentle at finish of tunnel

Spearhead Peter Wright is about to return earlier than the AFL bye, in some respite to injury-ravaged Essendon as they try to unravel a sequence of back-stress fractures.

The Bombers have misplaced 4 straight video games as they cope with a prolonged damage record, together with a decimated again line and a calf pressure to midfielder Darcy Parish.

Will Setterfield will miss Saturday evening’s conflict with Richmond after struggling a foot fracture in final week’s loss to Brisbane.

The large-bodied midfielder had his foot trodden on, and the Bombers say he shall be out for a “variety of weeks”.

Younger tall ahead Harrison Jones was not too long ago sidelined indefinitely with a back-stress fracture, whereas prized draft picks Zach Reid and Nik Cox have additionally had prolonged lay-offs with the identical challenge.

In reviewing these again accidents, the Bombers have turned to Cricket Australia, who managed skipper Pat Cummins by way of comparable early profession stress fractures.

“Our guys have simply acquired to discover each choice to overview our program to see if there’s something,” coach Brad Scott mentioned.

“It is uncommon to have three guys with similar-type accidents they usually’re comparable kinds of gamers, all three are round about that 200cm mark.

“So is it one thing in our program? Is it simply one thing that the boys have been coping with individually and it is extra of a coincidence?

“However we have simply acquired to take a look at each choice to guarantee that we’re offering the most effective setting and it is irritating to have three guys with comparable accidents they usually’ve been long-term.

“So it is simply a part of due diligence and ensuring that we’re exploring every little thing we are able to.”

Defender Jordan Ridley will return from concussion towards Richmond on Saturday however Jake Kelly remains to be experiencing signs so will miss one other week.

Wright, who dislocated his shoulder earlier than spherical one, was anticipated to overlook half the season.

The bone has healed faster than anticipated, setting him as much as return inside the subsequent month.

Essendon face Richmond, West Coast, North Melbourne and Carlton earlier than the bye.

Wright skilled on Wednesday in a non-contact fluoro hat together with Laverde (AC joint), whereas high draft choose Elijah Tsatas (knee) is monitoring properly.

“We’re most likely in a section the place we have been annoyed with dropping a few gamers however the silver lining is we have been capable of expose another gamers in roles and alternatives they would not have gotten in any other case,” Scott mentioned.

“However the excellent news is we do have quite a lot of gamers who’re closing in on a return. Peter Wright’s properly forward of schedule so there is a chance that he’ll be again earlier than our bye.

“Jayden Laverde’s forward of schedule as properly. (Elijah) Tsatas had a extremely good surgical overview so he’ll take part full coaching at the moment. So there’s quite a lot of positivity on the damage entrance.

“However proper now, there is no doubt we have been challenged.”

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