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.
Despite the setback, Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney maintains that decision is just a precautionary measure.
“While disappointing for Zach and the club, these types of injuries are reasonably common for tall, young players of Zach’s build early in their careers," Mahoney said in a club statement.
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“We’re being conservative in our approach to Zach’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.
“As 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."
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.