Essendon will be without promising key forward Harry Jones for the early rounds of the season after an ankle setback this week.
The Bombers are yet to reveal the severity of the injury or a return timeline for Jones, who kicked 20 goals in 16 matches last year in an impressive first season playing in the senior side.
They are also uncertain when Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will be ready to play again after returning from personal leave and having dealt with a calf issue before that.
Another forward option, swingman Aaron Francis, is in doubt for the season opener with a knee injury, but Jake Stringer (groin) is expected to play in round 1 against Geelong at the MCG next Saturday.
Peter Wright will also have greater responsibility, as was already going to be the case with Cale Hooker retiring, while former star junior Kaine Baldwin looks certain xjmtzywto make his AFL debut after two knee reconstructions.
Essendon took a punt on Baldwin in the pre-season supplemental selection period prior to the 2021 season, after every club overlooked the South Australian in the draft.
The 19-year-old forward took a brief detour to Gold Coast’s Academy before the Bombers offered him a one-year contract.
Baldwin made positive progress last season but has been even better this pre-season, including kicking a goal and amassing 10 disposals against St Kilda in the clubs’ Community Series clash last weekend.
