Essendon’s pre-season didn’t get off to an ideal start, with star Nic Martin suffering an ACL injury in November. That said, the Bombers are expecting a range of returning players following the carnage that was the 2025 season. Jordan Ridley has undergone a modified program across pre-season after suffering a hamstring setback in November, however the club is yet to determine whether the concern will eat into the start of the Dons’ season. All of Nick Bryan, Thomas Edwards and Lewis Hayes have continued their rehab from ACL injuries in 2025, and are likely to miss the opening stages of the season. That said, Bryan is expected within the early weeks of ’26. Highly touted rookie Sullivan Robey also faced a setback with his back, however is expected to be available in Round 1. Defender Zach Reid has trained to full capacity after yet another interrupted season, as has Darcy Parish, while Harry Jones (ankle), Will Setterfield (knee) and Archie Perkins (groin) continue to work towards a return to full training.
