Essendon has confirmed that ruckman Sam Draper has ruptured his Achilles following scans on Sunday.
In Friday's win over West Coast, Draper can be seen falling to the ground with no one around him, which is usually a tell-tale sign of an Achilles injury.
He is set for surgery next week.
"We're absolutely devastated for โDrapes', who's had a terrific start to the year," Bombers GM of Football Daniel McPherson said.
"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."
On Sunday, Channel 7 caught up with the out-of-contract ruckman as he was heading into his scan.
"Pretty flat, I don't know the extent yet," Draper said on Sunday morning.
"Not feeling too confident. (Feeling) a lot of things. I thought someone was there. I thought someone stepped on the back of my leg, and there was no one there in the vision. So, that's as probably much evidence as you need.
"I was playing the best footy I've played in my career; that's the real kicker for me." - Sam Draper
Kate Massey caught up with Essendon Ruckman Sam Draper earlier this morning following a suspected achilles rupture pic.twitter.com/TYSrWkXPQl
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) April 20, 2025
"It feels like it's not fair. I was in the best shape of my career, and I was playing the best footy of my career as well; that's the real kicker for me.
"I'll be back. I believe in myself. I believe in my body. And I believe in my team.
"It's going to be tough watching this year."
The injury comes as the Bombers were dealing with losing fellow ruckman Nick Bryan to an ACL injury, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Coach Brad Scott opted to play Peter Wright ahead of veteran Todd Goldstein, who kicked six goals in his return game against the Eagles.
But now with Draper likely missing the remained of the 2025 season, Goldstein will be relied upon even more.
The Bombers could have up to three vacant list spots due to injuries to Bryan, Draper, and SSP recruit Tom Edwards.
It could put Southport Sharks ruckman Brayden Crossley into the mix. Crossley spent time at the Western Bulldogs over the summer, but failed to land an AFL contract.
The Mid-Season Draft will take place between Rounds 11 and 12.
Essendon takes on Collingwood in Round 7 for the traditional Anzac Day clash.
I ruptured my Achilles back in January โ and re-ruptured it 8 weeks after my first operation. Iโm at week 5 post op now and itโs been awful for me. So I can feel for Sam Draper absolutely. I hope he starts his recovery soon and is on the way to getting back on the track.