The Essendon players will undergo standard medical assessments later this week before heading on a two-month break. According to club physiotherapist Bruce Connor the assessments are routine and it is an opportunity for the medical staff to assess any niggles the players may have been carrying over the course of the season. ""We encourage the players to let us know if any areas are a bit sore or don’t feel quite right. The break is a chance for them to get things repaired before the pre-season,"" Connor said.

Bomber skipper James Hird will undergo knee surgery today. Hird will have a routine knee scrape on both knees. ""Basically James is having a clean out of the knee region. It is nothing serious and is a routine service,"" Connor said. Dean Solomon will have a minor groin operation on Wednesday. ""Once again this isn't major surgery. Dean has had a bit of tension in the groin region and the surgery will improve this for him,"" Connor said.

Other players to undergo post season surgery include:
Scott Lucas - will have a plate removed from his lower leg.
Damien Peverill - will have a plate removed from his forearm.
Mark McVeigh - shoulder arthroscope to clean up the area.
Dean Rioli - thumb surgery to repair ligament damage.
Marc Bullen - finger surgery to repair ligament damage.

The good news for the club this season is that only one player underwent major surgery. After the horrible run with injuries the club has had over the past few seasons, it is welcome news. Rookie Ben Haynes had full reconstructive shoulder surgery after dislocating his shoulder in a pre-season practice match. ""Ben had full surgery and we gave him the full rehabilitation time. This proved to work in his favour, because he came back at full strength for the second half of the season,"" Connor said.