ESSENDON has been dealt an early blow in its elimination final against Carlton with defender Tayte Pears suffering a leg injury late in the first quarter.
The 21-year-old was subbed out of the game at quarter-time and replaced by Travis Colyer.
He cut a dejected figure as he walked towards the interchange bench at the conclusion of the break with the red vest on.
It was Pears' ninth game for the season with his latest absence coming after suffering a hairline fracture in his leg in round 18.
He started the game on Carlton forward Setanta O'hAilpin, who kicked the Blues' first goal at the 20-minute mark of the quarter.
It was another blow for the Bombers' backline, which had NAB AFL Rising Star Dyson Heppell dragged out of the play by Bryce Gibbs.
The Bombers trailed by seven points at the first break when the forced substitution was made after kicking the first three goals of the game.
More to follow
