Star Essendon defender Dean Solomon could be sidelined for season 2002 after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury during the VFL practice match at Victoria Park this afternoon. A scan sometime tomorrow is expected to confirm the Bombers' worst fears. Solomon's knee gave way when he was changing direction while running at the ball just prior to half-time. He left the ground immediately.

Paul Salmon also came from the ground just prior to half-time with calf tightness. ""He just felt restricted by it and we didn't want to take any risks with him,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. Salmon is still expected to be fit to take on Geelong in the season-opener in eight days time.

Essendon led the VFL practice match by 29-points early in the third quarter.