Bombers’ Injury Crisis May Fuel Future Success

Essendon’s misfortune could pave the way for a stronger team in 2026, while debate swirls around a Gold Coast player’s risky tactic.

A season riddled with injuries has been disastrous for Essendon, however, there’s optimism it will catalyze a long-term resurgence. Elsewhere, Gold Coast is under scrutiny, plus Sydney’s finals hopes and Richmond’s struggles are also in focus after Round 17.

Essendon’s Silver Lining

Despite a challenging year for Brad Scott in his third season, facing an unprecedented injury crisis that led to four mid-season draftees, there’s a potential upside. Sam Draper, Nick Bryan, Tom Edwards, and Lewis Hayes being sidelined has dampened finals aspirations but fostered opportunities for emerging talent.

David King noted on Fox Footy’s Super Saturday Live, after the Bombers’ loss to Gold Coast, “They’re handcuffed by injury this year. No one’s really judging the last eight weeks.”

A bright spot has been the performance of Archie May, a mid-season draftee who scored three goals in a single term. Eleven players have debuted for the club this season, revealing the selection challenges faced by coach Scott.

Brad Johnson of the Western Bulldogs sees the exposure of younger players as advantageous. He believes that the youngsters tasting senior football will challenge senior players next season.

The Bombers’ off-season strategy, marked by minimal activity in trades, indicates a focus on long-term development rather than immediate contention. Letting Jake Stringer go and securing picks to match a bid for Isaac Kako reflects a commitment to nurturing young talent.

Finishing in the bottom six could lead to an easier draw in 2026 and better draft picks, owning their own and Melbourne’s first-round picks, plus St Kilda’s second-rounder. Currently, those other clubs are also in the bottom six.

Caddy Emerging as a Key Player

Nate Caddy is flourishing with increased exposure. According to Jay Clark, “He is a running machine who can clunk the ball aerially, he’s got a long kick. He is the superstar that this club is craving.” A consistent delivery chain to Caddy is crucial, with players like Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish, and Jye Caldwell needing support from emerging talents such as Ben Hobbs and Elijah Tsatas.

Johnson emphasized that “If, they get midfield depth and they get more ball heading his way, that’s the key (for) the Bombers…He becomes a star when they grow elsewhere.”

Umpire Contact Controversy

Debate is raging as to whether some players are risking umpire contact as a tactic at stoppages. Matt Rowell of Gold Coast, along with George Hewett of Carlton and Jack Macrae of St Kilda, are on notice with multiple fines for umpire contact.

Jay Clark stated that Rowell is “essentially on his last strike. One more bump into an umpire could land him a suspension or certainly a heavier fine.”

Rowell remains steadfast in his approach.
Speaking after the Suns’ win over Essendon, Rowell seemed aligned with coach Damien Hardwick’s views.

Hardwick said, “He’ll be mindful of it, but the thing is, as soon as that ball goes (up), he’s a see-ball-get-ball player…There is going to be incidental contact, and I think the AFL know that. I know that we’ve got to protect the umpires, but I think we’ve also got to be smart.”

David King suggests the AFL might suspend Rowell if his approach doesn’t change, emphasizing that “If Matt and Damien don’t change, the AFL will make them change — and it will be a suspension.”

Conversely, Brad Johnson opposes a suspension, suggesting alternatives to the centre bounce. He stated, “It’s not a suspension, for me. We either change it up to throw it up, and we get rid of the bounce completely — because a suspension for that, I think is just a little bit too harsh.”

Sydney’s Finals Hopes

The gap between the top and bottom teams is stark. Ninth-placed Fremantle is significantly ahead of 10th-placed Sydney. Late-season surges have occurred before with Brisbane in 2024 and Giants and Blues in 2023.

Sydney has a history of remarkable comebacks. They were 15th after Round 17 in 2023 but made the finals. In 2022, they surged to the Grand Final after being 8th in Round 16, going on a nine-game winning streak.

Their remaining schedule is favorable, with matches against struggling teams, including Essendon, St Kilda, North Melbourne, and West Coast. Victory in these games would provide a solid foundation with 11 wins.

The Sydney Derby against the Giants in Round 20 is crucial, with the Swans having won eight of the last 10 derbies. A win would bring them to 12 wins, but 13 or 14 wins may be needed to secure a finals berth. The Swans also play Brisbane and Geelong, which are both tough games.

Lalor’s Season in Jeopardy

Sam Lalor, Richmond’s prized draft pick, may require surgery for his hamstring issue, potentially ending his season prematurely. Lalor has only played 11 games, with a recent setback occurring shortly after his return. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, hamstring strains were the most common injury causing absence from Australian rules football in 2021–22 AIHW, 2023.

Injuries have marred Richmond’s season, affecting several first-round picks, including Josh Smillie, Harry Armstrong, and Taj Hotton.

Richmond might seek specialist help, drawing from Josh Gibcus’s experience with his hamstring issues. Jason Dunstall lamented Lalor’s injury, stating, “It’s just a disaster…The young man who has got so much to offer the game…They took the extra week (before bringing Lalor back) – they did everything right…It’s unlucky.”

Dwayne Russell noted the team’s caution with Lalor’s return, stating, “They said he was ready last week, but they didn’t want to have to manage his game time…It wasn’t a risk according to Richmond.”

Jay Clark believes Lalor’s season is likely over.
Coach Adem Yze indicated a “mechanism” issue for Lalor, expressing disappointment: “It’s an unfortunate one…It looks like a bad one which is really disappointing. He loves this club, he loves his teammates…He just wants to help.”

In summary, Round 17 highlighted contrasting fortunes: Essendon’s injury woes could yield future benefits; Matt Rowell’s umpire contact is under scrutiny; Sydney faces an uphill battle for finals; and Richmond grapples with key player injuries.