James Hird will spend the night in hospital after receiving a heavy knock in the second quarter of today’s match against Richmond. The Essendon skipper has undergone tests and at this stage has suspected broken ribs. Hird was taken immediately to hospital by ambulance after the incident.

At this stage it is not known how long the 31-year-old will be sidelined. Other updates on Hird’s condition will be given when they come to hand.

Scott Lucas will miss the next two to three weeks with a hamstring injury. Lucas injured his hamstring in an incident early in the second quarter of today’s match. Lucas joins Sean Wellman and Dean Rioli who are also on the sidelines with hamstring injuries.

Essendon has other injury concerns with Mark Bolton a late withdrawal from today’s match with a hamstring injury. At this stage Bolton is expected to miss the next two weeks.