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Jaiden Sciberras • July 13th, 2025 4:04 pm
The luckless Bombers’ injury crisis has gone from bad to worse, with a further two names added to the extensive list of sidelined senior players.
Saturday night’s disastrous result against Richmond was far from the most damning outcome, as star 24-year-old Nic Martin faces a serious knee concern.
A contest at half back saw Martin collect the ball before being bundled over the boundary line by Tiger Rhyan Mansell, landing awkwardly on his knee before being withdrawn from the contest.
Beyond Nic Martin, the Bombers also saw tough inside midfielder Will Setterfield fall with a significant foot concern, increasing their injury list to an unfathomable 14 senior listed players.
Speaking post-game, coach Brad Scott has stated that their unfathomable run with injuries is the worst he has seen throughout his football career.
“The most important thing for us is to fight our way through it, and deal with the circumstances that are being put in front of us at the moment,” Scott told his post-game press conference.
“Not try and dwell on what we haven’t got and focus more on the privilege of playing AFL footy.
“For the team and the club, I can’t think of a situation like this in my time in footy.
“Nic Martin has almost certainly done his ACL, so that just sends a shiver down everyone’s spine at quarter time when that word sort of ripples out.
“After losing Caldwell to surgery last week, Setterfield looks like he’s got a pretty serious foot injury as well.
“It’s a tough situation but we’ve just got to fight our way through it.”
Martin spoke with 7News following Saturday night’s incident, stating that despite what seems destined to be a long journey back to football, the star is excited for what’s to come.
“I’m a bit flat, but it is what it is,” Martin said.
“(I) just need to wrap my head around it and move on.
“It just didn’t feel right. I sort of said to the docs, it doesn’t feel right. They took me into the rooms and pretty quickly said you’re done for the day.
“It’s so humbling, the love and support from the boys. Unfortunately, they’ve had a bit of practice with it this year. I felt so loved and cared for, so really appreciated the support from the boys.
“In times of adversity you’ve got to build some resilience. As tough as this is, I’m really optimistic about what we can build post this. The adversity the boys will face will suit them for the long term.”
Referring to his anticipated recovery, Martin has taken significant inspiration from a star Lion who experienced the same injury, only to win a Norm Smith medal shortly after his return.
“I’ve got Will Ashcroft in my head a bit,” Martin said.
“(I admire) how quickly he returned and found form straight away. All you can do is take it one day at a time and just get better, and that’s all I’m after.”
If confirmed, Martin’s injury will mark the fourth ACL at the club this season.
Following the loss to Richmond, the Bombers find themselves in 13th place, having won just six games from 16 in 2025.
