Todd Goldstein will go from ruck coach to centre stage as Essendon digest the news of losing ruckman Sam Draper for what looks set to be the rest of the AFL season.
Draper crumpled in a heap after setting off for a sprint during the final quarter of Essendon's two-point win over West Coast on Friday night.
Scans are expected to confirm Draper has ruptured the Achilles tendon on his right leg, leaving him with what could be a recovery time frame between six to nine months if it requires surgery.
Draper's injury comes on the back of fellow ruckman Nick Bryan suffering a season-ending ACL injury last week.
Forward Tom Edwards also suffered an ACL tear late last month in what has been a painful few weeks on the injury front for Essendon.
With Draper and Bryan out of action, Essendon will have to turn to 329-game veteran Goldstein for the rest of the season.
The 36-year-old is still a part of Essendon's main list, but given he started the season third in the club's ruck pecking order, he's been serving more of a ruck coach role and is yet to play an AFL game this year.
Goldstein has still been training fully in the off chance he would be needed, and coach Brad Scott will now have to break the 'in case of emergency' glass.
"I think if any club loses their two starting ruckmen, they're going to be challenged," Scott said.
"I think we're in a better position than most because I can't speak highly enough of Todd Goldstein.
"I've clearly been a huge fan of his for a long time, but this (not playing) has been a new challenge for him.
"To have one of the one of the best ruckmen in the history of the game be prepared to sit - effectively working as a ruck coach - but also preparing himself to play each week and to accept that role and to work with our two ruckmen ... not many players can do that.
"He's a he's a proud competitor, and he wants to perform, but just constantly he's said to me, 'I'll be ready. When you need me, I'll be ready'.
"Well, now we need him."
Scott described Goldstein's current fitness as "elite".
"He's an incredible athlete, doesn't miss a session. He's ready," Scott said.
"He's always been very durable. But the back half of his career, he's taken his professionalism to another level."
Winger Xavier Duursma was taken to hospital on Friday night after copping a knee to the ribs from Eagles ruckman Matt Flynn in the dying minutes.
Scott said Duursma's hospital trip was just a precaution, and he hopes there's no major injury.
Essendon forward Peter Wright was the hero on Friday night, kicking six goals in his first AFL match since injuring his ankle during the pre-season.
