Essendon wingman Harrison Jones has avoided surgery on a gruesome ankle injury sustained on Thursday night against North Melbourne, while the news isn't as positive for defender Jordan Ridley.
Jones was stretchered from the field after landing on and dislocating his ankle in a contest near the boundary line, with the young Bomber in pain and needing medical treatment.
He was eventually taken from the field with what was suspected to be a fractured ankle, with Jones undergoing scans on Friday after spending time in hospital post-game.
While a small fracture in the base of his foot has been discovered, Jones will avoid surgery and faces a shorter period on the sidelines compared to what was first feared.
Ridley was also unable to finish the Round 8 win over the Roos after suffering a hamstring injury, with scans since confirming a high-grade strain for the Bombers backman.
The injury likely places Ridley back on the sidelines between now and two months in what is another blow for the one-time best and fairest winner.
โWhile it's undoubtedly disappointing for both players, we recognise both players' tremendous resilience and dedication to their rehabilitation that will give them every chance to return to their best quickly,โ Essendon football boss Dan McPherson said in a club update.
โJones' consistent presence in the team - playing 21 games last season and all seven this year - is a testament to his hard work since his 2023 season ended early. This is a setback, but we have full confidence in his resilience and his upbeat personality to tackle this head on.
"Jordan is a key player for us, and to lose him for a period is tough. He's an important part of our backline and it's a significant loss, but we have confidence in our defensive group to step up in his absence. We look forward to having him back on the field as soon as possible.โ
Essendon have also confirmed forward Jade Gresham has sustained a low-grade adductor injury and won't be available for next week's clash with Sydney.
The Bombers have matches against the Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Brisbane following their clash with the Swans at Marvel Stadium next Saturday.
