ESSENDON has placed ruckman Tom Bellchambers on the club's long-term injury list, almost three weeks after he underwent ankle surgery.
 
The Bombers will be without Bellchambers for the first month of the season, however the club is yet to name a replacement.
 
The 24-year-old big man sustained the injury during match simulation at training in January and, after consulting with the club's specialist, it was decided he would go down the route of surgery.
 
Adding to the loss of Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton in the off-season, Bellchambers' injury means the Bombers' big man stocks are stretched even thinner.