Essendon Football Club regrets to advise club doctor Bruce Reid will be on leave from the club indefinitely, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer affecting the mesothelial cells across internal organs. 

Bruce, who has served as the club’s beloved Head Doctor for over 36 years, has recently undergone surgery and is in hospital recovering.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the club’s collective heart was with Bruce and his family.

“Reidy’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority during this difficult time,” Campbell said.

“He knows he has the full support of the entire Essendon family and the club will continue to do everything we can to support Bruce, his wife Judy and their five children.” 

The Essendon Football Club requests the privacy of Bruce, Judy and their family during this time.