Essendon’s Aaron Francis takes personal time away from club as he battles mental health issue

ESSENDON has suffered a blow on the eve of the season with two of their brightest talents set to be sidelined, with one granted personal leave as he battles mental health issues.

Aaron Francis Essendon Preseason AFL football training. Picture: Jason Edwards

HIGHLY-rated Essendon youngster Aaron Francis has been granted “extended” personal leave to deal with a mental health issue, with the Bombers prepared to give him as much time as he needs to feel “better”

In a significant blow for the Bombers ahead of the 2018 season, Francis — a one-time No.6 draft selection — told the club last week he needed time away from the game to tackle his issues.

Compounding the news was confirmation another of the club’s young guns, impressive forward/midfielder Jayden Laverde, would miss up to 10 weeks due to a serious hamstring injury.

NEW DEAL: WOOSHA SET FOR CONTRACT EXTENSION

AFLX: LEAGUE HAPPY WITH YOUNG SQUADS

SUPERCOACH: ULTIMATE ROOKIE GUIDE

Essendon last night confirmed Francis’ absence, while his teammate Orazio Fantasia said the playing group would offer him every possible assistance.

Bombers general manager of football Dan Richardson said Francis, 20, had a strong support network and he was confident he will return to the club at the appropriate time.

Aaron Francis sings the song after a win last year. Pic: Getty Images

“Aaron is a wonderful young man and his decision to speak up and ask for help is extremely courageous,” Richardson said last night. “The club will support Aaron in any way we can, and we will give him as much time as he needs to get better.

“He has an extremely strong network of support and we look forward to seeing him return to the club when he feels ready.

“We kindly ask that Aaron is given the appropriate time and privacy to deal with this matter.”

Francis, who grew up barracking for the Bombers, has played only five games during two injury-plagued seasons with the club — and only two last year.

He sought a trade to return to his home state of South Australia last October, with his manager, TLA’s Michael Doughty, saying at the time: “He would prefer to return home.”

Aaron Francis and Jayden Laverde at training. Picture: Jason Edwards

But the Bombers would not entertain any possible trade for Francis, who is contracted until the end of next year.

Fantasia said on FIVEaa radio in South Australia last night: “He (Francis) told the boys last week that he’s just going to take a little bit of personal time away from the footy club.”

“Obviously the footy club and the boys understand that.

“Aaron is going to be a crucial part of this team (in the future), so to get him right off the field is number one (priority).

“You know how hard the game can be even if you’re in a good headspace. So he’s just taking a little bit of time away from the footy club at the moment.”

Jayden Laverde’s 2018 campaign has been dented. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Francis’ off-field issues are compounded by news Laverde has been struck down with a serious injury for a second successive preseason.

Laverde, 21, was one of the Bombers’ good performers in the intra-club match at Tullamarine last Saturday, but felt tight in his hamstring.

Essendon high performance manager Justin Crow confirmed scans had shown significant damage, leaving the luckless Laverde sidelined once more for the start of the season.

“Jayden was ... feeling tight in his hamstring. We got that scanned, and had some really bad news there,” Crow told the club’s website.

“He’s got a strain in that tendon which is an eight-to-10 week rehabilitation, so bad news for Jayden but he’ll be back doing his rehab and working towards the season as soon as he can.”

Laverde, who has played only 23 games in his three seasons at the club, was pick 20 in the 2014 national draft, and the Bombers have high hopes of him potentially moving himself into the midfield at some stage.

He suffered an ankle injury during last year’s JLT Community Series, which saw him out of action for four months before he worked his way back into the senior team for five games late in the season.

The news was much better for All-Australian defender Michael Hurley, who has been cleared of a broken wrist, and he could be ready to play in the first JLT Community Series game.

If you or somebody you know requires help, please contact the following services:

Beyond Blue — 1300 22 46 36 or www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline — 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

Mensline — 1300 78 99 78 or mensline.org.au

Kids Helpline — 1800551800 or kidshelpline.com.au