ESSENDON is confident Aaron Francis has not suffered another serious injury setback and that the emerging utility will make a quick recovery.

Francis sent a scare through the Bombers’ camp on Wednesday when he was carried off the ground after rolling his ankle during the club’s intra-club hitout.

On-lookers feared the worst when Francis fell awkwardly after a marking contest and clutched his left leg in the middle of the club’s main ground as the game continued around him.

The No. 6 pick from the 2015 draft was assisted from the ground by two trainers. He wasn’t able to put any weight on his foot, with both trainers supporting his legs as he left the field of play.

Round 18

Francis and the trainers then disappeared behind closed doors for further assessment.

But Bombers coach John Worsfold said the early diagnosis was a positive one.

“He rolled his ankle, but he’s got pretty loose ankles anyway, so we are confident it’s not a serious sprain,” Worsfold said.

“It was a bit like (Michael Hurley) last week, he was out there running fine today. So hopefully he’s back and running pretty quick.”

Aaron Francis is carried off with a leg injury. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Francis, 19, played just three AFL games in his debut season, with the start and back end of his 2016 campaign compounded by calf and hamstring issues.

The powerfully built 193cm player approaches the 2017 season in excellent shape, appearing to looked to have added significant size and muscle from last year.

Worsfold admitted he held initial fears after seeing Francis take a tumble, but said he had no choice but to move on and let the club’s medical staff do its job.

“You just hope it’s as minor an injury as it can be, but you’ve got no control over it,” Worsfold said.

“You let the guys do their job, concentrate on the players playing the game and sort through all that afterwards. I was pleased to get a good report from that.

“You feel for him, you feel for any player, no matter who it is, when they go down. But he’s got a season to focus on and prepare for. This is just one thing he has to take into account.”

Francis starred at VFL level last year playing predominantly as an intercept defender, impressing with his aerial ability and clean disposal skill.

The versatile South Australian was one of the top prospects from the 2015 draft class, with his ability to play in any position making him the clear standout utility.

Francis recently signed a two-year contract extension, securing him to the Dons until at least the end of the 2019 AFL season.

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