Hooker injured the hamstring in the second quarter of the match and Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the Bombers were hoping he would miss no more than a month of football.
“We are going to have further scans today just to reveal the extent of the injury. From a clinical point of view we are saying it’s either a grade one or two tear so that’s probably three-four weeks,” Hamilton said.
“But we’ll get some further evidence so we can verify that.”
David Hille could be set to spend some time on the sidelines after he was reported for rough conduct against Brendon Goddard.
Hille’s logical replacement, Jason Laycock will also miss after fracturing his foot while playing for VFL side Bendigo on the weekend.
“That’s a disappointing result,” Hamilton said.
“He’d been playing quite well and particularly in light of David Hille’s report it would have been handy to have him up and ready to go but that’s bad news for Jason and for the club.
“We have to find out the extent of the injury but it’s at least six weeks.”
Michael Hurley appeared to be in some discomfort after landing on his hip but is expected to be fine while Nathan Lovett-Murray and Sam Lonergan should both return to the side after pulling out on the weekend.
“Nathan should be available and Sam Lonergan should be available. They both had minor injuries and were late withdrawals from the team,” Hamilton said.
