ESSENDON could be without spearhead Scott Lucas for half the season, after the talented forward was diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament following the Bombers' 55-point win over North Melbourne.
Lucas, 30, twinged his left knee 20 minutes into Monday's game and limped from the field after crashing into a marking contest.
The injury has been assessed as a grade three tear, which has an expected rehabilitation period of eight to 10 weeks with an additional two to regain match fitness.
"Scott will be out, we're looking at nine to 12 weeks," coach Matthew Knights said after the match.
"It's a really disappointing injury and it's disappointing for Scott because he's had a stellar pre-season and he was really looking forward to putting his stamp on the forward line with Matthew [Lloyd].
"It's frustrating but I'm sure he'll go about his rehab diligently and he'll be back when he's right to go again."
Knights, who said young guns Scott Gumbleton and Jay Neagle will be "potential" replacements for Lucas when they've built up match fitness, is confident the experienced goal-kicker will still make an impact later in the year.
"He showed a lot of courage, he went in the air against two or three or four and the pack came sprawling down," he said.
"At times, there's someone that comes out of that situation not flash, and unfortunately it was Scott.
