Star Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett has sprained an ankle and will miss a chunk of AFL preseason training.
Merrett’s injured ankle in will be in a protective boot for the next two weeks after a mishap during competitive drills at training on Friday.
“We expect a clearer picture on his return to training once swelling in the affected ankle subsides … we don’t anticipate the injury will impact Zach’s availability for the commencement of the season,” Essendon’s football manager Dan Richardson said in a statement.
Essendon open their campaign against Greater Western Sydney on March 24.
The 23-year-old finished third in the club’s best and fairest in 2018 after playing every game and averaging 27 disposals.