Essendon have confirmed fears of a potential season-ending hamstring injury for young defender Zach Reid, who was in the mix to play this weekend after six weeks out of action.
Reid hasn't played since Round 11 due to a hamstring strain that interrupted a career-best campaign in the red sash, with the former top 10 pick having dealt with multiple injuries in his first four seasons in the AFL.
The 23-year-old's 10 games this year are a career-high, with the key defender managing just nine games prior to 2025 since his debut four years ago.
Hamstring issues kept Reid to the one appearance last year - Essendon's season opener - and he is now facing more time on the sidelines with a similar issue.
Reid hurt his hamstring at training earlier this week and will meet with a surgeon, with another stint on the sidelines potentially bringing his season to an abrupt end.
"Zach Reid's push for selection has been halted by a hamstring strain suffered in main training on Wednesday," a club update read.
"He will consult a surgeon in the coming days to determine if surgery is required, and the club will provide a further update in their injury report."
Reid's injury adds to a growing concern at Essendon given their list of injuries this year, with Darcy Parish (calf), Mason Redman (hamstring) and Kyle Langford (quad) all sidelined again over the club's bye week.
The Bombers are already without Sam Draper, Tom Edwards, Lewis Hayes and Nick Bryan for the rest of the year, while Ben McKay, Harrison Jones and Nik Cox are facing uncertain timelines for returns due to injury.
Coach Brad Scott has been buoyed by the return of defender Jordan Ridley following his hamstring injury, while midfielder Sam Durham will also face Gold Coast on Saturday after serving a two-game suspension.
Ruckman Todd Goldstein returns to the side for Round 17, with Vigo Visentini, Matt Guelfi and Parish all making way at selection.
