Rising Essendon defender Lewis Hayes has suffered another ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his first game back from the same injury he sustained last year when making his AFL debut. The 21-year-old key defender hyper-extended his knee in the second quarter of the VFL match against Werribee on Sunday and played through the pain, but subsequent scans confirmed the devastating setback.
Details of the Injury
In Round 9, 2025, Hayes ruptured his ACL while impressing with 16 disposals in the Bombers' victory over Sydney. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to play in the VFL. However, during the match against Werribee, he hyper-extended his knee and continued playing, only to report soreness to the club on Monday. Scans later confirmed the ACL damage.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary described the news as a "shattering blow at Essendon." Essendon has confirmed the injury, with footy manager Daniel McPherson expressing the club's support for Hayes.
Club's Response
"This is incredibly tough news for Lewis, who has put in a mountain of work and shown incredible commitment and resilience over the past 12 months, following his original ACL injury which occurred during his AFL debut early last season," McPherson said. "Lewis is an outstanding individual and a highly valued member of our football club, so to suffer another ACL injury after everything he has put into his rehab and recovery is shattering. He has attacked every challenge placed in front of him with professionalism and determination, and we have no doubt he will approach this setback the same way."
Hayes will meet with specialists in the coming days to determine next steps for surgery and rehabilitation.
Contract and Background
Only a fortnight ago, Hayes signed a new contract with the Bombers that ties him to the club until at least the end of 2027. He was selected with pick No. 25 in the 2022 national draft, the same year the club secured Elijah Tsatas with pick No. 5. Hayes is known for his "rangy wingspan" and intercept marking in defence.
After his recent contract extension, Hayes said: "I'm obviously super excited, it's such a rich and historic club that I'm so grateful to be a part of. I'm keen to keep building my game and grow as a player in the back end of this season and next year as well. I have loved my time at the club since I got drafted. I've made great friendships over the years and feel like as a playing group, we're all very connected. Everyone has been great in supporting me through my injury and rehab. I've only played in front of the Dons army for a short period, but it was unreal when I was out there. They're the best fans in the league and I have no doubt things will turn for us."
The club and fans will now rally behind Hayes as he embarks on another long road to recovery.
