Isaac Kako will be missing in the short-to-medium term after scans confirmed a stress injury in his back. 

The 20-year-old reported some back soreness following the Anzac Day clash, with early scans on Monday morning revealing the full extent of the injury.

“It’s a really disappointing setback for Isaac, who’d been playing some exciting footy for us in the early stages of this season,” Essendon’s GM – AFL Daniel McPherson said.

“He’ll need to enter a period of rest now to let the injury settle, before building back up towards a return to play later in the season."