Zach Reid will spend the rest of the season on the side lines after suffering a stress fracture in his back.

The baby Bomber was Essendon's pick no.10 in last year's AFL draft, but has only managed one-game in his first season.

Touted as an immense talent, Reid made his debut against the Lions in Round 5 before glandular fever forced him out of the side.

Embed from Getty Images

Despite the setback, Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney maintains that decision is just a precautionary measure.

โ€œWhile disappointing for Zach and the club, these types of injuries are reasonably common for tall, young players of Zachโ€™s build early in their careers," Mahoney said in a club statement.

SEE ALSO: Snelling confident Dons will snag a place in the eight

โ€œWeโ€™re being conservative in our approach to Zachโ€™s rehabilitation and will likely rule him out for the remainder of the season. This is the best decision to ensure his longevity in what we know will be a long career with Essendon.

โ€œAs part of his individual program, we will support and build up Zach over the off-season and prepare him to complete a full pre-season leading into his second year."

Embed from Getty Images

Fellow first-round recruits Nik Cox (pick 8) and Archie Perkins (pick 9) have both made an impact for Essendon's senior side this year. However, Reid's athleticism and ball-use still have some at the club believing he could be the best out of all three.

The 202cm defender was nearing his return to the Essendon line-up after an impressive run in the VFL, but will now have to wait until the 2022 season.