Essendon confirm surgery setback for midfielder

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.

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Delisted Hawthorn forward Emerson Jeka has been announced as the third ex-AFL signing for Essendon’s VFL squad for the 2024 season.

The addition of the 22-year-old sees the Bombers add to their recent signings of former Adelaide midfielder Jackson Hately and ex-West Coast onballer Xavier O’Neill.

A product out of Altona, Jeka played seven games at AFL level during his four-year stint with Hawthorn, making his debut in 2021 and playing four matches the following year before going unused in Sam Mitchell’s side last season.

Jeka would play 33 games for Box Hill during his time in the brown and gold, booting 37 goals during a VFL career that saw him positioned at either end of the ground.

On Tuesday Essendon unveiled Jeka as their listest VFL recruit, with the 197cm swingman expressing his delight to join the Dons.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to play my best football at Essendon and I’m really excited to be a part of what they’re bringing to the VFL program,” Jeka said in a club statement.

“I’ve been to the NEC Hangar a few times, so I feel pretty familiar with the place and I’m really excited to use the facilities at my disposal.

“The club wants to drive high standards and make everyone better, and I think that’s going to allow me to get the best version of myself.”

Jeka’s move to Tullamarine sees him reunite with former Hawks teammate Tom Phillips, who signed with the Bombers’ reserves ahead of the 2023 season.

Essendon’s VFL side will be led by coach Blake Caracella this year after the departure of Leigh Tudor.