ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says a diligent investigation into a spate of hamstring injuries will be a priority this week after two more Bombers succumbed to hamstring tears in the 30-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.
In the opening minutes of the final term, the Bombers lost Sam Lonergan and acting skipper Mark McVeigh to all but end, what to that point, had been a gallant charge.
The Dogs kicked six goals to none in the final term to overcome a 10-point three-quarter-time deficit.
The loss of Lonergan and McVeigh brings the number of Bombers currently sidelined with hamstring injuries to seven having lost Leroy Jetta last week, Courtenay Dempsey against Geelong, Andrew Welsh in the opening round and youngsters David Myers and Scott Gumbleton during the NAB Cup.
“As a club we just have to investigate everything in the program and we’ll do that diligently,” Knights said.
The first-year coach hinted the fact the Bombers had come off three consecutive six-day breaks might have played a part in the escalation of hamstring complaints, adding the side trained for only 90 minutes in the lead up the tackling the Dogs.
Knights admitted frustration at the mounting injury toll but said he was keen not to dwell on it, rather highlighting the opportunity given to the younger generation.
Jay Nash, Bachar Houli, Paddy Ryder and Kyle Reimers made solid contributions against the Dogs while 18-year-old Tayte Pears debuted after replacing Angus Monfries in the selected side.
Knights said the loss of Lonergan and McVeigh severely hamstrung his coaching abilities, but was keen not to use it as an excuse.
“Certainly those two guys coming out of the line-up didn’t help the scenario but it’s not an excuse for losing the game,” he said.
“When you put yourself into a winning position at three-quarter time you’ve then got an ownership to make it happen and get the win.
“We didn’t, so we’re disappointed no matter who we put out there.”
Knights paid tribute to key defenders Dustin Fletcher and Paddy Ryder who, along with McVeigh, dominated for the Bombers.
Fletcher had 32 possessions while Ryder took seven marks and played with poise across half back.
“I thought Dustin was outstanding and Patrick Ryder barely put a foot wrong all night,” he said.
“It’s pretty bright for our club when you see a Patrick Ryder play like he did.”
Without skipper Matthew Lloyd and dual best and fairest Scott Lucas, the Essendon coach was happy with a forward structure that kicked 14 goals in the opening three terms.
He said the fact the side was able to share the load was a good sign for coming weeks.
“We manufactured 28 shots on goal which I thought was terrific,” he said.
“We gave ourselves an opportunity to win the game.”
Lloyd, who failed to get through Thursday’s warm up with a calf complain, will have a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the injury but Knights was hopeful the star full forward would return to tackle St Kilda next Friday night.
