Essendon veteran Jason Winderlich has today been placed on the club’s long term injury list with rookie Shaun McKernan upgraded to the senior list.

Winderlich had an interrupted pre-season campaign due to an ongoing back issue.

General Manager of Football Performance Neil Craig said it was disappointing for Winderlich to be facing another injury setback.

“There’s no doubt this is a frustrating setback for Jason after arguably being in career-best form last season,” Craig said.

“However with Jason placed on the long-term injury list, this provides an exciting opportunity for Shaun McKernan to now make his mark in the side at a senior level.”

McKernan was drafted to Essendon in the 2015 Rookie Draft after playing 34 games for Adelaide since 2009.