Mark Baguley will spend a significant amount of time on the sideline after undergoing surgery on his knee.

The injury is a flare up of an existing injury, but has reached a stage where it can no longer be ignored.

“Over the last few weeks (Baguley) has had swelling in his knee after games,” said High Performance Manager Justin Crow

“This is from an old injury that he has in the cartilage in his knee and it has gradually been getting worse and worse.

“We decided to send him to a specialist this week and Mark’s had arthroscopic surgery on his knee. 

“Unfortunately for Essendon fans, and us, he’s going to be off for a little while after that.” 

It is still not known how long the vice-captain will spend on the sideline, with the Club waiting to learn more from surgeons before determining a recovery period.

The Club are hopeful that the courageous backman will return before the end of the season.

“We’ll wait for the surgeons advice after he catches up with Mark after the surgery settles and we’ll get a better idea from there,” said Crow

“It’s entirely possible (that he will return). Mark will be really keen to do that.

“We’ll take the surgeons advice and do the best thing by his long term playing career.”

Baguley has been a crucial part of Essendon’s back six since joining as a rookie in 2012.

Renown for his courage as a defender, Baguley has been trialled as a forward this year where he has been able to put immense pressure on the opposition backman. 

The injury is a big blow for the side who are already suffering from a lack of experienced heads.

It is likely that veteran James Kelly will return for the game against Hawthorn, while defender Michael Hartley should be available for the game against GWS.