Change for bombers after more injuries

Essendon trainer Brad Scott has predicted some dramatic role changes for his players because the bombers have to do with more injuries.

After Essendon had hit Richmond in a shabby DreamTime blockbuster on Friday evening, he returned to top eight with a 6: 4 record.

But the bombers are still challenges with their list after striker Kyle Langford (quad) and Breakout defender Zach Reid (Hamstring) had not finished the game.

Essendon already had four injuries at the end of the season this season, including Sam Draper and Nick Bryan, while important Talls Jordan Ridley and Harry Jones are in the long term.

Scott is hopeful, Reid was more close than a serious injury, but Langford, who has already missed six games this year, will probably be a few weeks.

“I held a little back the coaching group after the game,” said Scott.

“There will be challenges, but we are here. This is a coaching opportunity for us. We have to think differently.

“We may have to re -enact some players in different positions, but the key is how we train and prepare them.

“It's not just about moving the magnets, but also about preparing the players to play something different.

“Of course we don't want to lose the players through injuries, but six debutants this year and probably more, we like what we saw from some of our weapons and some of our other un triedated players in VfL.”

Essendon could be a busy player in the middle of the season on Wednesday, while looking for the helper for the experienced Todd Goldstein.

Reid, a top 10 draft pick in 2020, experienced a painful start to his career after being restricted to nine games to nine games in his first four seasons.

But the 23-year-old played all ten games this year as one of the most improved AFL players and was a pillar in the defense of the bombers.

“In this phase of his career, we have no other choice with his injury history. We simply lost it and excluded him,” said Scott about Reid.

“As always, they are destroyed for the players involved.

“The difficult thing about this game is that they have to show these players the right amount of empathy, but then have to continue very quickly as a head coach.”

Essendon will go to Gabba on Thursday evening to get together with the reigning Premiers Brisbane.