Essendon without Sam Draper for rest of 2025 season as Achilles rupture confirmed
Updated . First published
Essendon have been dealt a brutal blow after the club confirmed ruckman Sam Draper will not return for the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
Draper went down three minutes into the final term against West Coast on Friday, collapsing on the wing with no one around him before being helped from the field.
The 26-year-old sparked immediate concerns that he had suffered an achilles injury as he struggled to put any weight on his right leg.
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Despite initial hopes by club officials that the injury was not as severe as it first looked, it has since been confirmed that Draper's season has come to an immediate end.
"We're absolutely devastated for 'Drapes', who's had a terrific start to the year," Bombers general manager Daniel McPherson said in a statement.
Sam Draper is consoled after suffering a leg injury. Fox Footy
"He's worked so hard over the course of the pre-season and had started the season really strongly.
"Sam's obviously an important player for us but he's also such a beloved member of this group by players, staff and fans alike. We'll support him through his rehab."
Draper was seen having a lengthy chat with coach Brad Scott and Essendon medical staff at three-quarter time, where he reported calf soreness in his left leg, but the decision was made to keep him on the field.
Scott said this was "an unfortunate coincidence".
Xavier Duursma was also taken to hospital as a precaution following a heavy hit to his abdomen in a marking contest with opposing ruck Matt Flynn.
Scott indicated post-match that the precautionary trip will unlikely impact Duursma's availability for selection against Collingwood on Friday.
Xavier Duursma is helped from the field after colliding with Matt Flynn. Paul Kane via Getty Images
Despite the injury fears, the Bombers survived a scare in the West, coming from behind to steal a two-point win over a spirited Eagles.
Essendon came back from 28 down in the second quarter to triumph 77 to 75.
After gaining ascendancy in clearances, the visitors rallied in the third term to draw level before setting up a thrilling final quarter.
Key forward Peter Wright single-handedly kept the Bombers in the fight, finishing he match with six goals.
A ruptured Achilles to Draper means the Bombers are without their top two ruck options for the rest of the season as Nick Bryant has suffered an ACL injury.
Such situation will likely open the door for Todd Goldstein to come back into the side as the Bombers prepare for their traditional Anzac Day clash with the Magpies.
Draper is an unrestricted free agent who has a big contract call to make by the end of the year.
The South Australian local has drawn interest from the Crows, keen on luring him home.
