“We are certain the injury occurred below the shoulders, and have a high degree of confidence that the location of this mishap is below the knee. Investigations are ongoing.”
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That Locks in Prior on a wing for the season.
God help us
Nothing ■■■■■■ me off more than an optimist!
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Pick 1 getting more and more Arki Butler likely every day.
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After we bid on Dougie and a few academy kids first
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Totally got to get that job done right this year - show everyone how its really done.
Reckon Prior would be on a wing regardless. Prior, Duursma & Fiorini before Clarke.
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To be honest, I haven’t been that impressed with Clarke. I remember reading that his kicking was a strength, but I have seen quite the opposite. It’s not a technique thing like Tsatas, it’s more of a just having a bad kicking day, but for months now.
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Confirmed by EFC as syndesmosis - what’s the timeframe for one of those? Is it 3 months?
Several track watchers were in attendance yet nobody saw him being carried off? 
Can be as little as 6-7 weeks.
Not for Essendon players it can’t
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Reckon we can find a way to blame this on Scott? Surely if Clarke was first choice wingman this wouldn’t have happened. Also suspect the conversation with Drapes and and Scott at 3Q time against the eagles last year was about pushing Clarke in the 2026 preseason. Absolute indictment on the club if so. I’m out.
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AFL website Saying
ESSENDON defender Angus Clarke will undergo surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury at training.
Clarke, 19, suffered the injury in a tackling drill on Wednesday.
“We are all feeling for ‘Clarkey’ after this setback on the eve of the season,” Essendon general manager of AFL Daniel McPherson said.
“He has put in a mountain of work in preparation for the season, so to have this happen so close to the start line is really disappointing for him. He’s a tough kid though – we know he’ll bounce back quickly.”
Clarke landed an AFL Rising Star nomination last season and played 14 games in a bright start to his career.
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Its not a terrible injury.
He will still play 15 games this year at least.
These things happen.
According to ChatGPT:
AFL syndesmosis injuries (high ankle sprains) that require surgery typically sit in a fairly consistent return window.
What history tells us
Across the AFL over the last 10–15 years:
Non-surgical syndesmosis: 4–6 weeks
Surgical syndesmosis (tightrope / stabilisation): 8–12 weeks is standard
Key defenders and midfielders usually land around 9–11 weeks if there are no setbacks.
Players often:
0–2 weeks: Non-weight bearing / controlled loading
3–6 weeks: Straight-line running
6–8 weeks: Agility and change of direction
8–10 weeks: Full training
9–12 weeks: Available for selection
Essendon saying surgery “this afternoon” suggests it’s not a mild case — so assume mid-range recovery, not best-case.
Projected Timeline (from 4 March 2026)
Surgery: 4 March 2026
Add 8–12 weeks:
8 weeks: 29 April 2026
10 weeks (most common outcome): 13 May 2026
12 weeks (conservative): 27 May 2026
I half expected to read that the injury was because of a smother whilst he was kicking.
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Yep id say we will see him in second half of the year or after the bye.
Not the end of the world and right now I dont think he is a guaranteed best 23 lock so from a player availability perspective its manageable.
well what is it - do they suspect he has a foot or an injury?