Essendon have confirmed a dreaded ruptured Achilles tendon for ruckman Sam Draper, continuing the club’s horror injury run to leave their tall stocks decimated.
Draper went down in a concerning off-ball incident in the final quarter of the Bombers’ win over West Coast, having expressed concerns at three quarter time.
The club confirmed on Sunday the extent of the injury, with Draper expected to miss the remainder of the season.
“We’re absolutely devastated for ‘Drapes’, who’s had a terrific start to the year,” Bombers AFL general manager Daniel McPherson said in a statement.
“He’s worked so hard over the course of the pre-season and had started the season really strongly.
“Sam’s obviously an important player for us but he’s also such a beloved member of this group by players, staff and fans alike. We’ll support him through his rehab.”
Draper’s injury comes a week after fellow Bombers ruckman Nick Bryan suffered a season-ending ruptured ACL in their win over Essendon.
It leaves veteran Todd Goldstein likely to return to the team for the Dons’ Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.
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