After conceding seven goals and losing the services of both Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde during the opening term of Saturday afternoon's clash with the Cats, Essendon head coach Ben Rutten is sure to be reaching for the paracetamol.
Entering Round 1 off the back of a finals appearance in 2021 and an impressive practice match victory over the Western Bulldogs of the summer, moods were naturally buoyed within the Bombers' camp.
However, with majors to Patrick Dangerfield, Luke Dahlhaus, Zac Tuohy, as well as two each by spearheads, Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, the air was swiftly let out of the red and black balloon.
This early uppercut dealt out by Chris Scott's side was compounded by the loss of Langford to a right hamstring injury and Jayden Laverde left nursing what appeared to be a hip complaint all before the quarter-time siren.
Langford's day was officially ruled over when the 25-year-old was subbed out of the contest and replaced by former Lion, Tom Cutler.
With four of Essendon's top five goalscorers from last season in Jake Stringer, Anthony McDonald-Tipunwuti, Cale Hooker and Harrison Jones all unavailable due to either injury, absence or retirement, the loss of Langford is sure to be adding to Rutten's offensive headaches.
A late collision with Jeremy Cameron in a tough marking contest also saw Laverde left sprawled in shadows of the Olympic Stand.
At the commencement of the second term, the former second-round draftee was able to make a brief return to action before being removed from the contest with pundits believing it was in fact Laverde's ribs which were causing the defender strife.
Cameron himself was also yet to return, with footage from Geelong's rooms showing the former Giant wincing in pain due to what was initially diagnosed as a hip pointer concern.
With 12-minutes left on the clock ahead of half-time, the 2019 Coleman medallist was officially subbed out for the remainder of the afternoon, with Geelong youngster Francis Evans replacing the dual All-Australian.
Footage from the final term showed a mildly less distressed Cameron being wheeled in the back of an ambulance.
Cameron has looked to have avoided serious injury after being discharged from hospital, with a hip injury still keeping his prospects for Round 2 up in the air.
"I'm doing well ... Just had to go through the necessary things to tick off, [checking for] internal bleeding," Cameron said in a video posted to his Instagram on Sunday.
"Overall, feeling great."
Although a 60-point deficit at the half was probably enough to have washed out the Dons' party plans, late reports that rebounding defender Mason Redman was also forced from the playing field and receiving treatment in the rooms will have only worsened spirits.
Thankfully, both he and Laverde were able to recommence their afternoons in the third term.
On the other side of the ledger, second game Cat Sam De Koning also made his way into Geelong's rooms prior to the final break after coming off second best following a heavy collision.
The younger brother of Carlton tall Tom was pulled from the remainder of what is sure to be a heavy hoops' victory after failing a concussion test.
With the league mandating that those unable to pass specific tests are required to sit out for a 12-day period, the 21-year-old will now miss Geelong's trip north to play Sydney next Friday night.