Essendon star Nic Martin has been ruled out of the 2026 season in a horror blow for the player and the club.
The star defender tore his ACL in July and missed the remainder of the 2025 season, but returned to training in early November.
However, he suffered a fresh injury on the reconstructed knee after slipping over at training.
READ MORE: Roos make ‘tough’ selection call on star mid for grand final
READ MORE: League steps in to help floundering AFLW sides
READ MORE: PM backs Tassie stadium despite eye-watering new price tag
Nic Martin and Will Setterfield of the Bombers look on after the round 18 AFL match. via Getty Images
The 24-year-old underwent scans to determine the extent of the new injury, with it now confirmed that he will miss the entire 2026 season.
The club has confirmed Martin underwent surgery on Thursday, for what was described as a “minor training incident”.
Essendon has said the plan is to take a long-term approach with one of their best players, hence the conservative call.
“It’s obviously a setback, but I have complete confidence in our medical and high-performance team and our long-term plan for me,” Martin told the club’s website.
“I’m feeling good post-surgery, and I’m ready to take the time to build my knee back up, and I know I’m in the best hands possible, and I’ll attack this rehab with everything I’ve got to come back stronger.”
Essendon general manager of football Dan McPherson explained the logic behind the cautious approach.
Nic Martin training in November before the incident. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“The decision to go back in for surgery sets Nic up for the best long-term result, and he’s determined to come back from this setback an even better and stronger athlete,” he said.
“Our high-performance team have a clear plan in place, and we’re looking forward to seeing Nic fully fit and ready for a strong 2027 campaign.”
This news caps off what has truly been one of the worst injury runs any team has had in a calendar year.
The Bombers’ 2025 season was completely derailed by long-term injuries to effectively every tall player on their list, and Martin.
Martin won the Yiooken Award as the best player on the field in this year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G game and was enjoying an outstanding season before the knee injury.
He was not expected to feature in the first chunk of the season, given the torn ACL, but this blow takes his focus completely off 2026.
