Essendon youngster Zak Johnson is set for an extended stint on the sidelines following a foot injury sustained in Saturday's loss to GWS.
The half-back sustained the injury in the first half, but bravely played out the game, finishing with 15 disposals.
It follows Johnson last week re-signing for a further two seasons, with Essendon GM list and recruiting Matt Rosa praising his poise, leadership and work ethic.
Johnson's injury continues a frustrating trend of young Dons getting injured in the last 18 months at a time the club is looking to regenerate its list.
The club had a highly publicised injury crisis last year, with the youth particularly affected, but, frustratingly, this year's setbacks have been almost entirely beyond the club's control, mostly contact injuries.
Johnson himself had a restricted pre-season entering 2025, due to a shoulder injury.
Sullivan Robey, who took out this week's rising star, did not complete pre-season due to a back injury, while his housemate and fellow first year player Dyson Sharp suffered a medium term injury on Saturday
Angus Clarke (syndesmosis), Rhys Unwin (hamstring), Isaac Kako (back stress fracture), Saad El Hawli (collarbone) and Lewis Hayes (ACL) are others currently injured, while ruck Nick Bryan played his first AFL game back from an ACL rupture on Saturday.
Brad Scott lamented injuries to youngsters a fortnight ago.
“Back stress fractures not just at our club but across the board are becoming too common for young players coming into the system. You expect it in 200cm fast bowlers but not in 180cm small forwards,” Scott said following Kako's injury.
“The loads on young players prior to the draft is something we would be keen to have a look at.”
While the door remains open for Johnson to make a late season return, his progress will be worth tracking in the next fortnight, as Essendon will have the option to move him to the long-term injury list which would open up the opportunity for the club to take a selection in the Mid-Season Draft.
Leadership group member Brayden Fiorini and Kako don't have return dates on the injury list and are others whose progress will be tracked.
The intake will be held on May 26, and the Dons currently do not have an open list spot, after re-listing Will Setterfield in the SSP to fill their list.
Johnson has played 14 games across his first two seasons at AFL level after being taken with Pick 60 in the 2024 AFL National Draft.
“It's a disappointing setback for 'Johnno', as he's worked incredibly hard to earn his opportunities at AFL level this season and continues to show strong growth on and off the field,” McPherson said.
“His recent contract extension reflects both the calibre of player, as well as the person he is around the Club.
“He'll use this next period of time to put himself in a strong position to return in great shape later in the season."
The club will provide a further update on Johnson's recovery timeline in the coming weeks.
