Maddison Gay will miss Essendon's round one match after straining her ACL in the pre-season practice match against North Melbourne.

Gay’s return timeline is still to be decided. 

Brooke Brown will be sidelined for up to seven weeks with a bone stress injury, while Sophie Strong is managing a back injury which will see her set for a return in four weeks. 

Steph Wales is on track for a return to play after missing the remainder of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury. The exact timeline for the ruck's return is still to be decided.