AFL 2024: Essendon ruck Sam Draper steps up injury recovery as he eyes round 1
Bombers favourite Sam Draper is due to tick an important box on his recovery as his chances firm for a round 1 meeting with Hawthorn.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Essendon big man Sam Draper will step back into training next week as he shrugs off a groin injury and firms as a chance to play in round 1.
Draper had groin surgery post-season and has largely been seen running laps away from his teammates since but has steadily built up kilometres.
Essendon said the ruck is planning to step back into training next week after he “has completed a strong running block”.
The Bombers have been cautious with the big man after a calf injury limited him to 14 appearances last year.
The Dons have further insurance for Draper this year with North Melbourne great Todd Goldstein training strongly, while Nick Bryan has continued to develop as a young ruck prospect.
“Todd is great, obviously Drapes is building up slowly so Todd is probably the one who is leading us on the track at the moment in terms of the No. 1 ruck spot,” forward Kyle Langford said this week.
“There is no doubt he (Goldstein) is here to play.”
Essendon meets Geelong for an official practice match on March 1 and play Hawthorn in round 1 on March 16.
Midfielder Dylan Shiel has also made short strides in his recovery from a foot issue, as he begins more running on solid grass.
The Bombers expect the 30-year-old to begin taking part in training next month, with his next task to begin agility work.
Key position player Sam Weideman has recovered from an achilles injury and is back into full training.
Unlucky rookie Jaiden Hunter has undergone surgery on his knee after rupturing his ACL last week.
Hunter was taken in the mid-season rookie draft by the Bombers last year but played just two VFL games before a back injury ended his season.
He had surgery this week and will step into his long rehab process.
Key position player Tex Wanganeen is the only other Bomber on the injury list, as he slowly builds up strength after foot surgery.
The Bombers will resume training next week after taking a four-day break over the long weekend.
Meanwhile, former Richmond skipper Dylan Grimes “will be available” for the season start after betting a calf complaint.
Grimes has been on light duties in recent weeks as he manages his body but Tigers CEO Brendon Gale said he would make it to an opening round clash with Gold Coast.
“Gimesy has had a few little niggles,” Gale told SEN.
“He knows his body, has great awareness and is putting a lot of effort into his preparation and he is a warrior, he will be available.”
Tom Lynch (foot) remains hopeful of playing against the Suns, while Dion Prestia and Dustin Martin (ankle) have also been on light duties.
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL 2024: Essendon ruck Sam Draper steps up injury recovery as he eyes round 1
Marvel Curse: The stadium that is Death Valley for flag hopes
No team that calls Marvel Stadium home has made the top four since 2010. JOSH BARNES dives into the alarming numbers, and what’s really behind them.
Track watch: Young Dons shine – but veteran upstages them all
Nate Caddy was lively and Archie Perkins found plenty of the ball – but in Friday’s four-quarter match-sim, Dylan Shiel was the one turning heads in a new role. Get all the intel here.