Essendon will welcome back Matt Guelfi, Nik Cox and first-year defender Angus Clarke via the VFL this week.
Guelfi has recovered from hamstring surgery back in February, while Cox has overcome a recent minor calf complaint following a pre-season largely disrupted by concussion symptoms.
Clarke will join the pair when the Dons’ VFL outfit take on North Melbourne at Windy Hill on Friday afternoon, having recovered from a broken collarbone suffered at the end of March.
Midfielder Jye Caldwell has progressed back into full training after an early season hamstring strain and is eyeing off a return to play in next week’s clash with Sydney. Fellow midfielder Darcy Parish is also closing in on a return to play in the coming weeks.
Sam Draper, Nick Bryan and Tom Edwards are all now in the early stages of post-operative recovery, having each undergone successful surgeries following recent season-ending injuries.
| Player | Injury | Estimated Return |
|---|---|---|
11. Jade Gresham |
Adductor |
1 week
Gresham sustained a minor adductor strain in the win over North Melbourne. |
|
14. Jordan Ridley |
Hamstring |
7 weeks
Ridley suffered a high-grade hamstring strain in round eight. |
|
23. Harrison Jones |
Ankle |
TBC
Jones dislocated his ankle in round eight. |
|
42. Jayden Nguyen |
Foot |
TBC
Scans revealed a foot stress issue for Nguyen following round seven of the VFL season. |
|
2. Sam Draper |
Achilles |
Season
Draper suffered a ruptured Achilles late in the round six win over West Coast. |
|
18. Lewis Hayes |
ACL |
Season
Hayes suffered an ACL injury during his debut game against Sydney in round nine. |
|
24. Nick Bryan |
ACL |
Season
Nick Bryan suffered an ACL tear in round five against Melbourne. |
|
45. Thomas Edwards |
ACL |
Season
Edwards has suffered a ruptured ACL and will most likely miss the remainder of the season. |
11. Jade Gresham
Gresham sustained a minor adductor strain in the win over North Melbourne.
14. Jordan Ridley
Ridley suffered a high-grade hamstring strain in round eight.
23. Harrison Jones
Jones dislocated his ankle in round eight.
42. Jayden Nguyen
Scans revealed a foot stress issue for Nguyen following round seven of the VFL season.
2. Sam Draper
Draper suffered a ruptured Achilles late in the round six win over West Coast.
18. Lewis Hayes
Hayes suffered an ACL injury during his debut game against Sydney in round nine.
24. Nick Bryan
Nick Bryan suffered an ACL tear in round five against Melbourne.
45. Thomas Edwards
Edwards has suffered a ruptured ACL and will most likely miss the remainder of the season.
Last Updated: 6:53 AM Tuesday, May 13, 2025
