Devon Smith out for the season with knee injury
Essendon's best and fairest winner Devon Smith will not play for the remainder of the AFL season after specialists determined he will need knee surgery.
"He's got an acute injury, which has just happened, and he's also got his long-standing PCL injury that he's had for a couple of years," coach John Worsfold said on Tuesday.
Smith had to sit out last weekend's game against Fremantle, a low-scoring affair that the Bombers won.
It is unclear whether Smith will have the two surgeries for his injuries at the same time, but regardless he will not play for at least six months.
"It's disappointing for him. He's very disappointed he's not going to be playing footy for the remainder of the year. We're really disappointed for him but we're really keen to get his knee fixed so he can play footy for a lot longer."
Worsfold said the club was aware of the midfielder's prior injury and stressed the surgery would assist in securing Smith's long-term career in football.
"It's about Devon’s long-term health, beyond football, then there’s his long-term football career that’s taken into account. Those two things are a bigger priority than the immediate. It’s about looking after someone’s health."
Smith signed a four-year contract with the Bombers at the end of 2017 after transferring from GWS. Losing himfor the remainder of the season will be a massive blow for the Dons.
But Worsfold remained positive, saying there were "robust" players on the field each week and adjustments would be made to play a strong game this weekend in the Dreamtime clash against Richmond.
"Things are always moving in the AFL ... You’re learning all the time. We’re really pleased with the squad we’re building," he said, adding that Shaun McKernan, Mitch Brown and Martin Gleeson could all be expected to be available after time out with injuries.
Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said he was looking forward to play this weekend at the MCG.
"It's a privilege for me to play in this round. I'm happy to go out there and show them my talent and inspire other Indigenous kids to follow, to play AFL.
"This club is pretty big on drafting Indigenous players and supporting the culture. So for me, being a part of that, I honour Essendon."