Bombers spearhead Matthew Lloyd will miss the start of the AFL season after breaking his arm during Essendon's 11-point loss to Geelong in Bendigo.

It was a tight and competitive game of football, but it is the injury to spearhead Matthew Lloyd that will be the talking point of the match.

Lloyd has fractured the ulna in his right forearm and is expected to miss at least four weeks of football.

The incident occurred late in the second quarter after tackling Brad Ottens, with Lloyd leaving the ground immediately.

He was taken to hospital for x-rays where Essendon's worst fears were realised.

Lloyd will consult with a surgeon to decide if the fracture requires an operation and the insertion of a plate.

Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was obviously disappointed to lose his champion full forward for the season opener.

"He is a champion and you never like losing players like that," Sheedy said. "It is just the way it goes and we now have to find someone to replace him.

"Our side has lifted before without him. We have played well when he has been sidelined. Obviously I would prefer we had him, but we just have to get on with life."

However it wasn't all doom and gloom for the Bombers who put in their most encouraging performance so far this pre-season, staying in touch with the Cats all night in a tightly fought contest.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP