An unfortunate combination of injury and suspension has hit Essendon this week, team manager, David Calthorpe, said today.

Fifteen of Essendon’s 41 senior-listed players are unavailable (the 41st player, Jarrod Atkinson, is a long-term injury rookie elevation for Alwyn Davey).

Essendon also has the option to elevate its three remaining rookies following season ending injuries to players including Jason Winderlich and Courtney Johns meaning there are 29 players available for senior selection this week.

“This week will test the depth of the club, there is no doubt about that,” Calthorpe said.

“Players being unavailable is part of football so we are not making an excuse we are just stating a fact.

“We are still confident the team can continue its good recent form and we will have a good mix of senior and younger player to take on Richmond.”

Calthorpe said nine of the 15 injured players are first or second year recruits who are still building up their bodies to play AFL football and two thirds of the club’s injuries are trauma related (not soft tissue) which are part and parcel of football.
 
Andrew Lovett has been suspended for two weeks for breaking team rules.

“One of the real positives this season has been our improved depth and have been able to cover the loss of most players,” Calthorpe said.

“Losing McVeigh and Lovett this week will hurt but we are up for the challenge and will be hungry to record our fifth in a row and keep our momentum going.”

Calthorpe said Tom Hislop, Tayte Pears, Bachar Houli, Scott Gumbleton, Darcy Daniher and Courtenay Dempsey should return within one-two weeks and Andrew Lovett will complete his suspension.