Essendon has confirmed a disappointing injury for young forward Josh Begley, with scans revealing he has torn his ACL.
Begley twisted his right knee midway through the first quarter of Essendon’s ANZAC Day loss to Collingwood in a cruel blow for the 19-year-old in just his eighth senior game.
“Scans this morning confirmed that Josh Begley has an ACL tear and he will undergo surgery next week,” Physical Performance Manager Justin Crow said.
Essendon GM of Football Dan Richardson said the club is confident Begley will make a full recovery and return to his best.
“We are all disappointed for him. He has made a really promising start to his career, including playing every game this season,” Richardson said.
“Importantly, he has great support around him, he is a terrific young man and we are confident he will make a full recovery following a successful rehabilitation program.”
Fellow forward Josh Green is also set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a right hamstring injury, also in the opening term of the clash on Wednesday.
“Josh Green has a hamstring strain and has been ruled unavailable for the match against Melbourne,” Crow said.
A trio of forwards are set to miss the Bombers’ match against the Demons on Sunday, with Crow confirming Orazio Fantasia has been unable to recover from groin tightness in time.
Essendon’s extended squad for Sunday’s clash will be released on Thursday evening.
