Essendon's Zach Merrett in action against Brisbane in round two, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

ESSENDON ball-magnet Zach Merrett could miss two months after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury in Saturday's loss to Brisbane. 

The Bombers vice-captain had scans on Sunday, which revealed his injury was worse that hoped and will require surgery. 

Essendon's football boss, Josh Mahoney, said Merrett would miss between six and eight weeks. 

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:38

    McCluggage snap gives Lions the counter

    Brisbane absorbed a wealth of Essendon forward pressure before Hugh McCluggage broke through for his first goal of the season

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  • 00:38

    Perkins sneaks it through to make it three in a row

    Archie Perkins ensured his side's dominance would not go without a third unanswered goal with this ripping snap

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  • 00:48

    Lions make Dons pay with two in a minute

    A dropped intercept mark led to Zac Bailey snapping one home before Lincoln McCarthy chimed in to make it two Lions goals in a row

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  • 00:33

    Rayner kicks through his first goal in two years

    Cameron Rayner hit the scoreboard for the first time in two seasons with this steady set shot making it six unanswered goals for his side

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  • 00:57

    Dons get instant reply with Merrett ripper

    Zach Merrett produced this brilliant running goal to give his side the quick reply

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  • 01:44

    Bailey benefits from Bomber brain fade

    James Stewart had a questionable moment after he failed to touch Zac Bailey's kick on goal which dribbled through the big sticks

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  • 00:32

    Cox carried off late after ankle scare

    Nik Cox had to be helped off the ground late in the game with a scare to his right ankle

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  • 00:46

    Neale delivers the knockout punch

    Lachie Neale topped off his dominant day with this match-sealing goal

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  • 07:13

    Highlights: Essendon v Brisbane Lions

    The Bombers and Lions clash in round two

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  • 07:33

    Full post-match, R2: Lions

    Watch Brisbane's press conference after round two's match against Essendon

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  • 10:57

    Full post-match, R2: Bombers

    Watch Essendon's press conference after round two's match against Brisbane

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  • 14:13

    Mini-Match: Essendon v Brisbane Lions

    Extended highlights of the Bombers and Lions clash in round two

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The news is better for teammate Nik Cox, who was carried off late with an ankle injury in the defeat against the Lions. 

The second-year utility is still an outside chance to line up in Friday night's clash against reigning premier Melbourne at the MCG. 

“We will look at surgery as an option for Zach but it is likely he will miss around six to eight weeks," Mahoney told the club's website on Sunday evening. 

“Nik’s injury isn’t as severe so we will assess his recovery this week and give him the best chance to get up for our match against Melbourne.”

00:32

Cox carried off late after ankle scare

Nik Cox had to be helped off the ground late in the game with a scare to his right ankle

The absence of Merrett is a significant blow for the winless Bombers, who face the prospect of trying to record their first win of the 2022 season against the undefeated Demons. 

Melbourne stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver have enjoyed strong starts to the season, with Petracca averaging almost 40 disposals a game across the first two rounds.