MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Ben Hobbs and Dyson Heppell of the Bombers look dejected after a loss during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium on April 17, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Essendon veteran Dyson Heppell is expected to miss his side's Round 1 clash with Hawthorn after suffering a foot injury during last week's pre-season hitout against the Suns.
The injury has forced Heppell into a moon boot for the coming weeks, with the 30-year-old spraining his foot and placed on a modified program.
"Utility Dyson Heppell has been sidelined with a foot injury following the club's practice match against Gold Coast on Thursday," a club statement reads.
"An MRI revealed that the 30-year-old suffered a low-grade foot sprain and is expected to be on a modified program for the next few weeks.
"Heppell will be in a moon boot until the discomfort resolves, and then look to progress into some running."
Heppell's setback is the latest for new senior coach Brad Scott ahead of the Bombers' season opener at the MCG, with top draftee Elijah Tsatas (knee), midfielder Ben Hobbs (calf) and Matt Guelfi (calf) also battling injuries of their own.
Essendon are set to commence their new campaign with a matchup against close rivals Hawthorn on Sunday, March 19.
That match will be the first under the new leadership of skipper Zach Merrett, who was appointed as club captain earlier this month following Heppell's decision to step down from the role.
Essendon will face St Kilda at RSEA Park on Friday afternoon for their second and final pre-season match.