An ankle injury to Essendon star forward Michael Hurley has taken some gloss off a comfortable AFL win over St Kilda.
The unbeaten Bombers controlled the game from the start to win 19.14 (128) to 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, ex-Saint Brendon Goddard having a big influence in his first clash with his former club.
But Hurley was carried off the ground in the third quarter and subbed out of the game before having his left ankle strapped.
It casts major doubt over his chances of playing in Thursday’s Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.
The Bombers were already without suspended pair Patrick Ryder and Nick Kommer, while late withdrawal Stewart Crameri joined Dustin Fletcher as an injury absentee for Saturday’s match, although Fletcher is expected back to face the Magpies.
Despite making six changes to the side that beat Fremantle last round, the Bombers’ fine form continued.
Goddard had an instant impact, taking a strong mark at the top of the goalsquare to kick the game’s opening goal amid a mixture of cheers from Bomber fans and boos from Saints supporters.
By the end of the first term, he had seven disposals and five tackles and, with Bombers skipper Jobe Watson (37 disposals, two goals) in commanding form, Essendon were three goals clear by the first change.
Jack Steven kicked a nice goal for the Saints early in the second term.
But the Bombers answered with two beauties.
First, Alwyn Davey skilfully soccered a goal out of mid-air from about 35m.
Then Brent Stanton shrugged off opponent Tom Simpkin before snapping truly.
Up by 31 points at halftime, Essendon surged clear by as many as 53 points with five of the first six goals of the third term, including Hurley’s third shortly before his injury.
Late inclusion Scott Gumbleton, playing his first game of the season, booted three goals for the quarter and another in the last, taking some strong marks in a handy sign for the Bombers given the absences of Hurley, Crameri and Ryder.
Also welcome was the form of veteran ruckman David Hille in his first game this season.
Michael Hibberd was prolific off halfback, while Dyson Heppell and David Myers were damaging through the midfield.
For the Saints, veterans Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes battled hard.