Essendon star Andy McGrath could miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury

All the positivity around Essendon this season has taken a hit with a massive injury blow to a key midfielder that could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Andrew McGrath could be sidelined for the rest of the season. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Essendon has been dealt a hammer blow after scans confirmed a knee injury that could sideline key midfielder Andrew McGrath for the rest of the AFL season.

McGrath was subbed out in the first quarter of Saturday night‘s Dreamtime game loss to Richmond after feeling an issue with his left knee.

Scans have confirmed a posterior cruciate ligament injury, which will keep McGrath out for between eight and 12 weeks.

Even in the best-case scenario, McGrath won‘t return until the Bombers’ round 21 game against the Western Bulldogs.

“We are really disappointed for Andy who was putting together a consistent season to date as part of our midfield group,” Essendon football manager Josh Mahoney said.

“Andy is a true professional who will be very driven to see a return to play as soon as possible.

“We know he will attack his rehabilitation program and continue to contribute to the team while not playing.”

Tough luck for our No.1.

Quick recovery, Pidge 👊

— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) June 7, 2021

McGrath has averaged 24 possessions a game this season and formed an emerging midfield partnership with Zach Merrrett and Darcy Parish who is in career-best form.

The Bombers (5-7) have a bye next round and are scheduled to take on Hawthorn at the MCG on June 20.

Veteran David Zaharakis could also miss that game after suffering hamstring tightness in the loss to Richmond in Perth.

Originally published as Essendon star Andy McGrath could miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury