Essendon's unprecedented injury crisis has forced the club to look deep into the root causes of its issues, and it will see a relocation of resources in a bid to improve its medical program.

The Bombers have eight players ruled out for the season, most of whom have been sidelined for the majority of the year, while three others (Darcy Parish, Ben McKay and Harrison Jones) remain in the dark regarding their return to play.

Jye Caldwell and Kyle Langford are hopeful of featuring in Brad Scott's side before the campaign concludes, while the latest sting of Nate Caddy (soreness) and Ben Hobbs (groin) ahead of Thursday's clash with GWS painted a picture that cannot be explained.

 Thursday, July 17 
GWS WON BY 48 POINTS
Marvel Stadium
ESS   
56
FT
104
   GWS

"A five-day break... there's no time to be getting distracted from what I need to do," Essendon coach Brad Scott said on Wednesday.

"I do have the utmost confidence in the people who are looking at our program. There's no doubt we will relocate resources to that (medical conditioning) space.

"We know better than anyone this year how important it is to get your players fit and available.

"It's hard not to be really frustrated, almost exasperated, just devastating seeing players like Nic Martin and Will Setterfield suffer really serious injuries.

"It's been a perfect storm of a whole range of different injuries all coming together at once.

"There are moments, don't get me wrong, where we all - including me - feel sorry for ourselves, but we've got to bounce out of that really quickly."

The silver lining of a record-equalling 13 debutants lingers through Tullamarine, albeit not in ideal circumstances.

Liam McMahon is the latest to be unveiled to don the sash, joining his fellow Mid-Season Draftees Archie May, Lachlan Blakiston and Oskar Smartt. Essendon will match Fitzroy's 1991 record of 13 debuts.

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Essendon Mid-Season Draft additions (L-R) Lachie Blakiston, Archer May, Oskar Smartt and Liam McMahon (Image via Essendon FC)

Scott also revealed the quartet of Dylan Shiel, Matt Guelfi, Archie Perkins, and Jade Gresham will return to the senior side after a stint in the VFL, which should ultimately bolster the club's line-up on Thursday.

Essendon will be facing up to former star Jake Stringer in Giants colours for the first time.

Stringer crossed from the Bombers to GWS following last year's trade period after the Victorian club and the forward came to loggerheads over his contract, despite being in the midst of a deal set to expire at the end of 2025.

The 31-year-old produced his best performance for the Giants, kicking four goals against Geelong.

"Who wouldn't want to face your old club?" Stringer said.

"Pulled up really well from the game, probably the best I have from any game. I don't know if that's because we've got Essendon this week or not, but I'm definitely feeling like I've had a good couple of weeks.

Rivals reportedly circling Essendon veteran: AFL trade news
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Darcy Parish of the Bombers, Jayden Laverde of the Bombers, and Jake Stringer of the Bombers celebrates after their win during the round 21 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 04, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"Not sure what (Adam) Kingers' has in store this week... I'll be hoping I'll be out there."

Stringer, who's battled his own injury woes throughout his career, empathised with his former club, and the unprecedented times Essendon is facing.

"I played seven or eight years with some of those guys that have gone down with long-term injuries," Stringer said.

"My heart goes out to them, but it's also part of the game. I talk to Jayden Laverde pretty much daily, so nothing's changed there. But I'm sure there'll be a couple (more messages) roll through later in the week.

"It's giving opportunity to young guys that might not have got a go. We won't be going out Thursday night, taking them lightly; we'll be going out there thinking they're full strength and getting after it."

The Bombers are teaming up with Challenge for their annual Supporting Kids with Cancer match against GWS. They are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Challenge, aiming to bring hope and support to children and their families.