Essendon Coach James Hird is weighing up several options to replace injured forward Jake Carlisle against St Kilda on Sunday.

The 23 year old hurt his ankle in the final seconds of the match against Hawthorn.

He’d kicked three goals and taken eight marks.

“We’ve got some options, obviously we’ve got (Michael) Hurley down back – he might go forward,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“Jobe (Watson) or Brendon (Goddard) might play forward so we’ve got options.

“It’s disappointing that we don’t have Jake.  I thought he was really coming in to some form over the last couple of weeks.” 

The Bombers matched it with Hawthorn for a half but were overrun in the third quarter.

“The first half against who we regard as the best team in the competition was more than competitive,” Hird said. 

“Hawthorn out-spread us in that third quarter and really their power and ability came to the fore. 

“We would hope that this week we can learn from that.” 

The Bombers edged past St Kilda when the sides met earlier this season.

The Saints are coming off a win against Melbourne and a narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs in their last two matches.

“Obviously they’d be disappointed they didn’t win on the weekend,” Hird said.

“Certainly they’ve improved over the course of the year. I think they’re in a very good place and building a very strong list.”