Essendon captain James Hird will fly home with his victorious teammates this afternoon but will miss Essendon's next two games after being accidentally struck in the eye late in the first quarter of last night's match against Adelaide. The incident happened in a marking contest in the forward 50m and he was immediately taken from the ground after kicking for goal.

""He has bled into the anterior chamber of his eye - it is known as a hyphema,"" Essendon club doctor Bruce Reid said this morning. ""His treatment will involve total rest for 10 days and he will take eye drops that will dilate and rest the pupil. He will also use some cortisone drops to reduce the inflammation.""

""He won't be allowed any physical activity in that time and will remain at home unless he is being reviewed by his specialist. The reason for this rest is to prevent a secondary bleed which can have more serious consequences.""

""Provided the blood resorbs quickly and there is no increased pressure in the eye he will miss a minimum of two weeks. If the response is slow his comeback will be adjusted accordingly.""

 In better news for the Bombers, Dean Rioli is expected to recover from a rolled ankle and be available to play against Geelong next weekend.