Emerging Essendon forward Jayden Laverde has had to deal with an unusual hiccup early in the pre-season after having his appendix removed.

Laverde, 20, has returned to light training duties after the surgery, which is not expected to have a major impact on his preparation for 2017.

The Victorian - taken two years ago in the draft at pick 20 - will be eyeing his first full season at senior level next year. Having played nine games straight from his debut in the back half of 2015, Laverde's second campaign at the Dons was hampered by a serious shoulder injury in round four that kept him out for nearly three months. However, by the end half of the year he had become a regular in the depleted Essendon side, finishing with nine senior appearances.

Laverde also turned down a substantial contract offer from St Kilda in September, signing a new two-year deal with the club he supported as a child.