Essendon’s worst fears have been confirmed for star utility Nic Martin, to add further pain to what has become a season from hell.
Martin limped from the field in the opening minutes of the Bombers’ loss to Richmond after a heavy bump from Rhyan Mansell saw him land awkwardly outside the boundary.
Quickly subbed out of the game, scans on Sunday have revealed a dreaded torn ACL, as was feared by the club on Saturday night, which will sideline the 24-year old for the remainder of the season and a major chunk of 2026 as well.
In a further disaster, big-bodied midfielder Will Setterfield is also set for a lengthy stay on the sidelines, after sustaining a serious foot injury later in the game.
Setterfield, who crossed to the Bombers from Carlton at the end of 2022 and has become a key cog in the team’s on-ball brigade, will undergo surgery after sustaining a Lisfranc injury when his foot was stomped on in a contest.
He will also miss the remainder of the season, and with foot injuries notoriously hazardous, is also set to be sidelined for the majority of 2026 as well.
“This is incredibly tough news for Nic and for the entire club,” Essendon football general manager Daniel McPherson said in a statement on Martin’s injury.
“He’s been a vital part of our midfield this season, and his absence will certainly be felt. Our players, coaches, staff, and all Bomber members and supporters will feel his loss. He’s had a terrific year and has been critical to our ability to perform week in, week out.
We have no doubt Nic will attack his rehabilitation with the same dedication he brings to his football. Nic is a fantastic individual, is part of our Player Leadership Group, and has become a vital member of our team, both on and off the field. He has a strong support network around him, and the club will provide him with every resource necessary to get through this long rehab journey.
“We’re confident that he will return stronger and more determined than ever.”
Martin had previously been among the Bombers’ best players for the season, and indeed since a remarkable rise from pre-season supplementary selection before the 2022 season to bona fide star at the highest level.
Prior to the Tigers’ clash, he had been averaging more than 25 disposals per game in 2025, while he won the Yiooken Award for best afield during the Bombers’ Dreamtime at the ‘G victory after winning 35 disposals and booting two goals.
Speaking to 7 News, Martin was philosophical about the injury, citing Brisbane star Will Ashcroft’s return from a serious knee injury in 2023 to win the 2024 Norm Smith Medal as inspiration to come back better than ever.
““A bit flat, but it is what it is,” Martin said.
“I’ve wrapped my head around it and just moved on.
“I’ve got Will Ashcroft in my head a bit – how quickly he returned and found form straight away.
“All you can do is take it one day at a time and just get better. All I’m after is the opportunity to get better.”
Martin and Setterfield are the latest in a long string of Bombers to suffer major injuries in 2025.
They join Sam Draper, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Ben McKay, Harrison Jones, Zach Reid, Darcy Parish and Nick Bryan of first-choice players on the sidelines.
