Defensive duo Hayden Crozier and Ed Richards will be unavailable to face Essendon in this week’s elimination final.

Crozier (concussion) and Richards (shoulder) sustained injuries in Saturday’s scratch match against the Sydney Swans at VU Whitten Oval.

Both will miss at least this week, with their exact return timeframes to be confirmed.

“In the first quarter, Hayden was removed from the game after a head knock. He was assessed by our doctors and it’s confirmed Hayden has suffered a concussion,” head of sports medicine, Chris Bell, said.

“Hayden will work through a process with our doctors over the next week to determine when he is available to return to play, after the mandated week off.

“In the second quarter of the game, Ed sustained a shoulder overstretching injury. He was able to complete the game but does have some soreness related to the injury.

“He won’t play this week whilst we work to improve his symptoms and regain his strength.”

The scratch match saw Stefan Martin (groin/hip), Ryan Gardner (shoulder) and Louis Butler (calf) all return from their respective injuries.

Josh Schache also played after missing round 22 with a knee issue – he was the medical sub for Friday night’s loss to Port Adelaide, but wasn’t activated. 

Injury list
Hayden Crozier (concussion) TBC
Ed Richards (shoulder) TBC
Josh Bruce (knee) season
Toby McLean (knee) season