Essendon youngster Zach Reid will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury.
The first-year Bomber has suffered a stress fracture in his lower back and won’t be available for the remainder of the year.
Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney said in a club statement: “While disappointing for Zach and the club, these types of injuries are reasonably common for tall, young players of Zach’s build early in their careers.
“We’re being conservative in our approach to Zach’s rehabilitation and will likely rule him out for the remainder of the season. This is the best decision to ensure his longevity in what we know will be a long career with Essendon.
“As part of his individual program, we will support and build up Zach over the off-season and prepare him to complete a full pre-season leading into his second year."
Reid, selected with pick No.10 in last year’s draft, made his AFL debut against Brisbane in Round 5 before he was struck down by glandular fever.
The 202cm defender was nearing a return to Essendon's line-up after impressing in the VFL.
Reid, 19, collected 10 disposals and laid five tackles in his one and only AFL appearance against the Lions in April.