ESSENDON ball-magnet Zach Merrett could miss two months after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury in Saturday's loss to Brisbane.
The Bombers vice-captain had scans on Sunday, which revealed his injury was worse that hoped and will require surgery.
Essendon's football boss, Josh Mahoney, said Merrett would miss between six and eight weeks.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:39 MinsViewed
McCluggage snap gives Lions the counter
Brisbane absorbed a wealth of Essendon forward pressure before Hugh McCluggage broke…
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Perkins sneaks it through to make it three in a row
Archie Perkins ensured his side's dominance would not go without a third unanswered…
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Lions make Dons pay with two in a minute
A dropped intercept mark led to Zac Bailey snapping one home before Lincoln McCarthy…
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Rayner kicks through his first goal in two years
Cameron Rayner hit the scoreboard for the first time in two seasons with this steady…
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Video00:58 MinsViewed
Dons get instant reply with Merrett ripper
Zach Merrett produced this brilliant running goal to give his side the quick reply
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Video01:44 MinsViewed
Bailey benefits from Bomber brain fade
James Stewart had a questionable moment after he failed to touch Zac Bailey's kick on…
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Cox carried off late after ankle scare
Nik Cox had to be helped off the ground late in the game with a scare to his right…
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Neale delivers the knockout punch
Lachie Neale topped off his dominant day with this match-sealing goal
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Highlights: Essendon v Brisbane Lions
The Bombers and Lions clash in round two
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Video07:34 MinsViewed
Full post-match, R2: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round two's match against Essendon
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Full post-match, R2: Bombers
Watch Essendon's press conference after round two's match against Brisbane
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Video14:14 MinsViewed
Mini-Match: Essendon v Brisbane Lions
Extended highlights of the Bombers and Lions clash in round two
The news is better for teammate Nik Cox, who was carried off late with an ankle injury in the defeat against the Lions.
The second-year utility is still an outside chance to line up in Friday night's clash against reigning premier Melbourne at the MCG.
“We will look at surgery as an option for Zach but it is likely he will miss around six to eight weeks," Mahoney told the club's website on Sunday evening.
“Nik’s injury isn’t as severe so we will assess his recovery this week and give him the best chance to get up for our match against Melbourne.”
Cox carried off late after ankle scare
Nik Cox had to be helped off the ground late in the game with a scare to his right ankle
Published onThe absence of Merrett is a significant blow for the winless Bombers, who face the prospect of trying to record their first win of the 2022 season against the undefeated Demons.
Melbourne stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver have enjoyed strong starts to the season, with Petracca averaging almost 40 disposals a game across the first two rounds.