Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel has undergone foot surgery, with the required recovery process set to have an impact through to the start of next year.
Shiel battled with foot issues throughout the 2023 season and would not feature at AFL level after Round 17 due to the matter, playing just a dozen games this year.
Recent consultation on the injury has led to Shiel requiring surgery on his foot, which will impact the start of his pre-season and likely early into next year as well.
“Dylan’s foot hasn’t fully recovered post season and his conservative rehab approach hasn’t provided pain relief for him,” Essendon football boss Dan McPherson said in a club update.
“After consulting a surgeon in the last few days, it was decided that further intervention was required to allow him the best chance to return to training and playing pain-free – he underwent a minor procedure today.
“Dylan is the ultimate professional who will be relentless in his pursuit to return to full training as early as possible. He will be off-legs for a couple of weeks, and will then begin reloading progressively over the pre-Christmas period.”
Shiel, while under contract for 2024, was linked to a potential move away from Essendon prior to Wednesday’s trade period deadline.
The 30-year-old will now enter the last season of his six-year deal in 2024 with 211 games to his name over 12 years in the system.
The Bombers are also set to have ruckman Sam Draper facing a delayed pre-season after he required surgery on an ongoing groin issue.
Essendon were able to add to their midfield and ruck departments with the additions of Xavier Duursma, Jade Gresham and Todd Goldstein during the off-season.