Essendon have suffered another blow ahead of Sunday's must-win AFL clash with Port Adelaide, losing forward Stewart Crameri for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old, who leads the Bombers' goal-kicking with 34 goals from 20 games this year, will have surgery after dislocating his right shoulder against West Coast on Saturday.

Essendon had been considering up whether Crameri could play through the pain, then have an operation at the end of the season, but decided not to risk it.

"We were weighing up our options but, ultimately, we did not want to take any risks, so Stewart will go ahead with surgery to his shoulder," football manager Paul Hamilton told the club's website.

"Stew has had a breakout season this year and it's incredibly disappointing to lose him, but we know that other players will step up and fill the void."

The Bombers have already lost midfielder Heath Hocking to suspension for Sunday's match at Etihad Stadium.

But they are hopeful captain Jobe Watson and utility Andrew Welsh will play against the Power, despite being concussed against the Eagles.

Key defenders Michael Hurley and Tayte Pears are both also likely to resume, after missing the weekend's game with soreness.

The Bombers need to beat Port on Sunday to ensure they play in the finals.

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