Key Bomber set to miss 2026 season

Essendon’s Nic Martin is reportedly out for the entire 2026 AFL season following surgery on his knee last week.

It was reported by AFL Media’s Cal Twomey earlier in the month that the 24-year-old would undergo scans on his knee after a slip during training.

This was the same knee that had been reconstructed following his ACL injury against Richmond in Round 18.

The runner up in the 2024 Crichton Medal managed to play 16 games for the season before his injury where he averaged 24.3 disposals and 6.9 marks.

Martin is now the latest Bomber to have sustained an injury during the pre-season, with draftee Sullivan Robey having picked up a back concern in his first pre-season, which sees him now on a limited training load.

The club has since released a statement with General Manager of Football, Daniel McPherson, disappointed by this setback for Martin, but notes that he will still have a "significant influence" on the side in 2026 before being fully fit in 2027.

“We are all really disappointed for Nic, but we are also really proud of the maturity with which he has handled this setback,” McPherson said.

“The decision to go back in for surgery sets Nic up for the best long-term result, and he’s determined to come back from this setback an even better and stronger athlete.

“An important member of our Leadership Group, he is highly respected for the standards he sets, both in how he plays and how he carries himself around the Club. Despite being sidelined, he’ll continue to have a significant influence on the group in 2026.

“Our high-performance team have a clear plan in place, and we’re looking forward to seeing Nic fully fit and ready for a strong 2027 campaign.”