Essendon will welcome back Matt Guelfi, Nik Cox and first-year defender Angus Clarke via the VFL this week.
Guelfi has recovered from hamstring surgery back in February, while Cox has overcome a recent minor calf complaint following a pre-season largely disrupted by concussion symptoms.
Clarke will join the pair when the Dons’ VFL outfit take on North Melbourne at Windy Hill on Friday afternoon, having recovered from a broken collarbone suffered at the end of March.
Midfielder Jye Caldwell has progressed back into full training after an early season hamstring strain and is eyeing off a return to play in next week’s clash with Sydney. Fellow midfielder Darcy Parish is also closing in on a return to play in the coming weeks.
Sam Draper, Nick Bryan and Tom Edwards are all now in the early stages of post-operative recovery, having each undergone successful surgeries following recent season-ending injuries.
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| Player | Injury | Estimated Return |
|---|---|---|
14. Jordan Ridley |
Calf | 1 week |
|
45. Thomas Edwards |
ACL |
1 week
Edwards has suffered a ruptured ACL. |
|
12. Will Setterfield |
Foot | 3 weeks |
|
24. Nick Bryan |
ACL |
3-4 weeks
Nick Bryan suffered an ACL tear in round five against Melbourne (2025). |
|
39. Cillian Bourke |
Hamstring | 5-6 weeks |
|
36. Angus Clarke |
Syndesmosis |
5-6 weeks
Clarke sustained a syndesmosis injury at main training ahead of the Opening Round bye. |
|
18. Lewis Hayes |
ACL |
10-12 weeks
Hayes suffered an ACL injury during his debut game against Sydney in round nine. |
|
37. Nic Martin |
ACL |
Season
Martin tore his ACL in the round 18 clash against Richmond. |
45. Thomas Edwards
Edwards has suffered a ruptured ACL.
24. Nick Bryan
Nick Bryan suffered an ACL tear in round five against Melbourne (2025).
36. Angus Clarke
Clarke sustained a syndesmosis injury at main training ahead of the Opening Round bye.
18. Lewis Hayes
Hayes suffered an ACL injury during his debut game against Sydney in round nine.
37. Nic Martin
Martin tore his ACL in the round 18 clash against Richmond.
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