AFL 2024: Essendon mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter suffers ACL injury at training

The horror injury run has continued for Essendon mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter, with the young forward going down at training on Tuesday.

Essendon midseason draftee Jaiden Hunter has torn his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time in a cruel blow to the promising key forward.

The 196cm goal kicker went down in a marking contest at training on Tuesday with scans confirming he faces a full year on the sidelines to recover.

The Bombers were terribly disappointed for the 21-year-old who had shown some exciting signs in his two appearances in the VFL for Essendon last year, including a four-goal haul against Carlton.

But Hunter has suffered a horrible run with injury in recent years following a knee reconstruction in 2022 and a stress fracture in his back last year.

The strong-marking and athletic forward was hoping to press for senior selection in 2024 after an encouraging start to preseason training, but will instead focus on another lengthy rehabilitation.

While a second knee reconstruction could place his career in jeopardy, the Bombers have vowed to support Hunter.

Jaiden Hunter suffered an ACL injury on Tuesday. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

New Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said it was a case of simply shocking luck.

“Jaiden has worked extremely hard over the pre-season to return to full training following an injury-interrupted end to 2023, so we are all extremely disappointed for him,” McPherson said.

“The incident occurred in an innocuous marking contest during match simulation, where Jaiden was then assisted from the ground.

“Jaiden will undergo surgery in due course, and everyone at Essendon will be fully behind him as he commences his rehab journey.”

The Bombers have revamped their football department in recent months and are eager to turn the tables on a poor run with injury in recent years.

In particular, back injuries all claimed Nik Cox, Zach Reid and Harry Jones last year, but the talented trio have made an encouraging start to the summer.

Essendon want to rise up the ladder in 2024 after a successful trade period landing forward Jade Gresham, ruckman Todd Goldstein, defender Ben McKay and wingman Xavier Duursma.

In attack, Peter Wright and Jones are expected to play key roles alongside Jake Stringer and top draft pick Nate Caddy.

Caddy’s powerful frame is expected to help the goal kicker play early in the 2024 season.