Adelaide Crows and Essendon Bombers are gearing up for their face-off this Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, with key developments affecting both teams.
Crows forward Chayce Jones is set to make his return to the team after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during a SANFL trial earlier this month. He was sidelined for two weeks but has completed all necessary training sessions, much to the relief of coach Matthew Nicks. High Performance Manager Darren Burgess confirmed, “Chayce has missed the last two weeks with his shoulder injury, but he’s completed everything we’ve asked him to do and will be available for selection this weekend.” This news is welcomed since it allows the Crows to have all players available for selection before their clash at the MCG.
On the contrary, Essendon is coping with significant injury setbacks. Jordan Ridley, the Bombers’ defender, will miss the upcoming game against Adelaide due to concussion, sustained from a high knock during their Round One match against Hawthorn on March 14, 2025. Ridley entered the AFL’s Concussion Protocol after being subbed off at half-time but is reported to be recovering well, with expectations to return for the Round Three match against Port Adelaide.
Adding to Essendon’s woes, forward Kyle Langford has been ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring strain against Hawthorn. Meanwhile, Alwyn Davey Jnr is nearing his return from knee surgery, and could be available for selection this round, pending successful participation in training. Midfielder Will Setterfield is also likely to return after missing last week due to groin soreness, adding some depth back to the Bomber line-up.
Against this backdrop, there’s more bad news for Essendon as defender Jake Waterman was subbed out during the Hawks loss due to calf issues, leaving his fitness uncertain for the upcoming clash. The Bombers are also seeing the return of midfielder Darcy Parish who is close to recovery from his back injury, expecting to be back next week.
Beyond injuries, one of the key stories from the recent past is the status of Gold Coast's star defender Charlie Ballard. He is set to miss the entire 2025 season due to injury sustained during their recent match against West Coast, resulting from Sunday’s 87-point win on March 16, 2025. This severe setback for the Suns removes one of their pivotal players from the lineup for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Carlton is eagerly awaiting news about Charlie Curnow, who is expected to return from minor knee surgery, potentially fortifying their roster against Hawthorn on March 20th. His return could prove pivotal as Carlton seeks to reclaim strength following tough early matches.
Another key to watch is Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey, who is ready to join the on-field action after missing the opening two rounds due to knee issues. His availability is anticipated to strengthen Collingwood as they prepare to face their adversaries.
It's not just about the current injuries; the teams are strategizing on how to play to their strengths against their forthcoming opponents. The Crows are coming off of positive momentum, securing their position well against St Kilda last weekend. On the other hand, the Bombers will have to undergo structural changes due to Ridley and Langford's absence, all the more pressing for coach Brad Scott.
With this much fluctuation, upcoming team selections will be eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. How teams manage their injuries will be instrumental as both teams aim to carve out their paths early on this season. The core challenge lies with Essendon’s ability to recover quickly and make the necessary adjustments on the field. With the players preparing to leave it all on the field, this edition of the Crows vs. Bombers is shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the AFL season.
Keep watching this space for more updates as the situation continues to develop, right up until when the teams take each other on at the MCG this Saturday.
The upcoming match showcases not only the fierce competition between the two clubs but also the emotional resilience as they navigate the highs and lows of injuries and strategic adjustments.
