Essendon big man Ilija Grgic has succumbed to a chronic back injury and has been placed on the long-term injury list.

Grgic hasn't played since playing a major role in Essendon's reserves premiership victory last season.

The club does not expect Grgic to return to senior football this season.

Essendon formally applied to have Grgic placed on the long-term injury list last week and approved formal approval today.

The club now has until May 30th to decide whether or not to promote a rookie to the senior list.

A similar scenario confronted the club last season when James Hird went onto the long-term injury list. The club promoted Dean Rioli to the senior list last season.

However the club has not committed to the promotion of a rookie at this stage despite widespread speculation that Corey McGrath would be promoted.

McGrath was extremley impressive during the Ansett Cup series and looked a player of the future. He was among the best players in Essendon's win over Richmond in the VFL.