The Essendon Bombers' injury report ahead of Round 10 vs. Fremantle is a mixed bag, with some players returning and others facing extended absences. Jye Caldwell, who missed last week's game due to an ankle injury, will be a test for this weekend's clash. As for the young Don Dyson Sharp, he dislocated his shoulder during the third quarter of the match against the Giants, but scans revealed no need for surgery. Instead, he'll undergo a four-to-six-week strengthening program before returning to the field. Liam McMahon, who suffered an ankle injury during the VFL match, is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. Zak Johnson, on the other hand, suffered a broken foot against GWS and will miss a significant portion of the 2026 season. Mason Redman and Nick Bryan, both returning to the AFL side, offer some positive news. Bryan, in particular, made his first senior appearance since rupturing his ACL last year. The Dons will announce their team on Thursday night, ready to take on Fremantle in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round. The injury report also includes updates on several players: Jordan Ridley, who suffered a low-grade calf strain; Lewis Hayes, who tore his ACL during his debut; Saad El-Hawli, with a broken collarbone; Angus Clarke, with a stress fracture in his foot; Rhys Unwin, with a hamstring injury; Isaac Kako, with a back stress injury; and Brayden Fiorini, who will undergo back surgery, ruling him out for most of the season. Nic Martin, who tore his ACL last year, will miss the entire season. This injury news highlights the challenges faced by the team, with a mix of short-term and long-term absences. It's a reminder that the Bombers' depth and resilience will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season.
