Long-serving Essendon club doctor Bruce Reid has taken indefinite leave to battle cancer.
Reid is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery to combat mesothelioma, a form of cancer affecting the mesothelial cells across internal organs.
"Reidy's health and wellbeing are our number one priority during this difficult time," chief executive Xavier Campbell said via a statement released on Friday.
"He knows he has the full support of the entire Essendon family and the club will continue to do everything we can to support Bruce, his wife Judy and their five children."
Reid, who has been with the club for more than 36 years, was a key figure in the Bombers' 2012 supplements scandal.
In the fallout from the saga, the club was barred from the 2013 finals series, had 34 players suspended for the entire 2016 season and was slapped with record fines and draft sanctions.
However, Reid fought individual charges laid against him and was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
