News

Skipworth to miss three weeks

Monday, 20 April 2009
Cara Pelchen for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Hayden Skipworth has undergone MRI scans today after suffering a minor strain in the third quarter of Sunday’s match against North Melbourne.

Football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the injury is likely to sideline the 26-year-old for a minimum of two weeks.

“We are still waiting on the results of the reports but our medical staff are telling us it is a minimum grade one strain which will keep him out for two to three weeks,” Hamilton said.

“It could possibly be more but it just depends on how quickly he recovers. Obviously it has been less than 24 hours since the injury occurred so sometimes you need a couple more days in order to get the full view of what the outcome will be."

The injury to Skipworth, who has been lauded for his outstanding leadership qualities, is a significant loss for the Bombers, both on-field and around the club.

“The thing about Hayden is that he has been a terrific team player and sometimes it is difficult for other people to see that,” Hamilton said.

“He provides terrific leadership around the club to our other players so he will definitely be missed.

“He has played some good footy for us over the past couple of weeks and has outstanding values that are recognised by the players and the coaching group.”

Skipworth has had a remarkable return to senior football after being delisted by Adelaide two years ago.

After playing for Essendon’s VFL affiliate, the Bendigo Bombers, Matthew Knights threw Skipworth a lifeline last year, offering him the opportunity to resurrect his career at senior level with Essendon.

Despite the latest injury, Hamilton said Skipworth remains in positive spirits.

“He is fine with it. I spoke to him after the game on Sunday and he was naturally very disappointed because he has fought incredibly hard to get to the stage where he has played a few games,” Hamilton said.

“With ANZAC Day next week, he will be disappointed from that point of view but he understands that is football too so he will work as hard as he can to recover as quickly as he can.”

For the full injury report click here.

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Skipworth has been a steady good recruit who is sure with both hand and foot.He reads the play well and is tough in the clinches.He deserves a regular place in the team.

- Noel Paech (posted 20/04/2009 7:31:11 PM)

get well soon hayden!!

- Jezza Chau (posted 20/04/2009 7:48:33 PM)

Bad news about injury. Get rested and back in there coz you have been sensational for us so far. Hopefully many more years to come.

- Warrick Burrows (posted 20/04/2009 7:55:22 PM)

get well soon skippy!

- Richard Hayward (posted 20/04/2009 8:05:05 PM)

Pity, he was playing good footy. But there is a positive, it opens up a spot, and with Knighta struggling with selection, this should help put his mind at ease.

- Sean Hyatt (posted 20/04/2009 8:15:18 PM)

I am very sorry that Skipworth is out for several weeks. He has been a very cool and courageous contributor in every game and did not deserve the criticism he received from some quarters. He's no Ablett, but he's a more than valuable addition to our list.

- Colin Duck (posted 20/04/2009 9:19:41 PM)

Too bad. I'm begining to think he wasn't such a crazy pick after all. Quick return Hayden...

- Emily Paton (posted 20/04/2009 9:31:44 PM)

He is 26 years old not 28

- Matthew Barnes (posted 20/04/2009 10:50:48 PM)

Bit of a shame! I have been impressed with how hard Skippy has been hitting the ball. You can tell he is hungry and wants to do anything he can to help out his teammates. Take ya time and come back even better Skippy!

- rick hynes (posted 20/04/2009 11:59:35 PM)

he has been nothing less then sensational for the bombers... and he has plenty of experience and knowledge of two clubs to pass on to the young kids to help us work towards our next period of success. let's hope too that gumbleton and hurley can both return well in the near future also. Zarahakis is a prodigy who reminds me more of a young Rama but with obvious poise and leadership of mercuri, misiti and Hirdy. he has found plenty of the footy in recent weeks and uses it well, even under immense pressure. the signs are good despite the loss to the kangaroos.

- Nathan Bloomfield (posted 21/04/2009 7:41:12 AM)

dam it just when we need him 4 this week agents Colling Wood Bloody hell

- MARK JONES (posted 21/04/2009 8:04:10 AM)

Emily Paton I agree with your comment. I too thought what a waste of a pick but am now changing my mind. And talking about ANZAC day how is it fair we only get six days to recover while Collingwood get eight???

- Ivar Biggen (posted 21/04/2009 8:18:13 AM)

I'm with you Emily - Hayden has proved himself a top pick up! Rest up Hayden and you'll be back on the track in no time.

- Samantha Whitelaw (posted 21/04/2009 8:46:21 AM)

Collingwood hardly travel and seem to get the luck of draw. Mclaren should of slowed down instead of trying to protec himself and let o'bree clean him up and he would'nt be playing

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 21/04/2009 9:10:28 AM)

Hayden Skipworth get back on the park soon, this team needs a positive player like yourself, you are a valuable member to the success of this club!

- Philip Martin (posted 21/04/2009 9:13:21 AM)

We are now definitely short of hard bodies around stoppages with Heath Hocking & now Skipworth out. Throw in Welsh, with McVeigh still returning to peak fitness, and we might be a bit light on for grunt of the 'in & under' variety.

- Dennis Green (posted 21/04/2009 9:14:32 AM)

Hayden as been terrific for us both on the field and clearly off it. Disappointing that he won't be on the G on Anzac Day, but there's always next year!

- Graham Flynn (posted 21/04/2009 9:33:30 AM)

UNLUCKY Hayden get better and it will be good to have ya back soon as possible...Been good for us and a positive player..get better mate!!

- Brendan Avis (posted 21/04/2009 11:19:59 AM)

That's a kick in the back side. Pitty :(

- Samantha Kisielis (posted 21/04/2009 9:54:04 PM)

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