A persistent back complaint has landed Essendon veteran Jason Winderlich on the AFL's long-term injury list.
Winderlich, 30, was set to retire at the end of last season, but had a change of heart and flirted with the idea of joining Richmond before returning to the Bombers.
"There's no doubt this is a frustrating setback for Jason after arguably being in career-best form last season," football manager Neil Craig told the club's website.
Former Adelaide forward Shaun McKernan is eligible to add to his 34 career games after being elevated from the rookie list to take Winderlich's place.
Essendon take on Hawthorn on Sunday after failing to hold off a stunning late charge by Sydney in their season-opener.
With a large group of players sitting out the pre-season cup, awaiting the outcome of the AFL's anti-doping tribunal, the Bombers tired badly against the Swans.
Midfielder Jake Melksham spoke to reporters on Thursday and said the team would be much better for the hitout.
"We took it right up to Sydney on the weekend and they played in the grand final against Hawthorn, so there's no reason why we can't do that this week," Melksham said.
"I've never beaten Hawthorn since I've been at the club and it's my sixth year.
"Five years, it's been a while and I think most times we've played them, they've beaten us pretty easily so we're looking forward to it."
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