Essendon provide update on injured youngster

The 22-year-old was substituted out of Saturday’s victory over Richmond.

Essendon utility Nik Cox has been cleared of a severe setback after being substituted out of Saturday’s triumph over Richmond due to a hamstring injury.

Cox was unable to finish the dramatic triumph due to the illness and was substituted by midfielder Elijah Tsatas at the quarter-finals.

Following the Dreamtime at the ‘G match, the 22-year-old received scans and was cleared of any severe hamstring damage. Essendon said on Monday that scans revealed no strain in Cox’s hamstring, but the young Bomber will need to undertake additional fitness testing in the coming days.

“Essendon utility Nik Cox has been cleared of any major damage to his hamstring following Saturday’s Dreamtime at the ‘G,” a report from the club stated.

“After being substituted at quarter-time, Cox underwent hamstring scans yesterday, which revealed no strain. The 22-year-old will be followed throughout the week, but the club believes his symptoms will heal fast.

“Essendon will provide a further update in the club’s injury report released [Tuesday] afternoon.”

Harrison Jones, the Bombers’ promising forward, will return for this week’s trip to the Gold Coast after serving a one-game suspension for aggressive conduct.

Will Setterfield, a midfielder, is nearing a recovery from a knee injury, and the club has not disclosed the extent of Ben Hobbs’ calf ailment.

Hobbs was dropped from Essendon’s squad to face the Tigers last Friday owing to a new setback, with Tsatas taking his place.

Essendon will play the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium on Sunday, followed by a King’s Birthday match against Carlton the following week.

The Bombers will next have a Round 14 bye before facing West Coast on Sunday, June 23 at Marvel Stadium.