ESSENDON defender Michael Hibberd has been suspended for the rest of the season after telling the club he intended to plead guilty to assault charges.

Hibberd, 21, was suspended indefinitely by the Bombers earlier this month for "breaching team protocol" by being out late while recovering from a hamstring injury.

He was later charged with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury and unlawful assault over an incident in Mornington around 3.30am on July 31.

In a statement on Wednesday, Essendon said the club's leadership group, in consultation with coach James Hird and management, had decided on the penalty "after Hibberd advised the club of his intention to accept responsibility for the conduct alleged against him by the police".

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said, "It has been made very clear to Michael that this sort of behaviour does not meet the standards expected by the Essendon Football Club.

"Michael is extremely remorseful for his actions and has unreservedly apologised to the other party involved. He has also apologised to his teammates and to the club. Michael has also undertaken counselling and has volunteered to participate in community work.
 
"Essendon Football Club prides itself on the impact it makes within the community and this type of behaviour does not meet the values and behavioural expectations we have set."

Hibberd was taken with pick No.4 in this year's NAB AFL Pre-season Draft from VFL club Frankston after winning the Fothergill-Round Medal as the competition's best player under 24.

He played nine senior matches before suffering a hamstring injury, and then being suspended.