Peter Wright's day turned from celebration to disaster when Essendon's reigning best and fairest player suffered a dislocated shoulder at training.
It is a massive blow for the Bombers ahead of Sunday's AFL season opener against arch-rivals Hawthorn at the MCG.
On Friday morning, the Bombers announced key forward Wright had signed a four-year deal. Only a couple of hours later he went down injured.
It is unclear when Wright, who led Essendon's goalkicking last year with 53 majors, will return to the side.
The Bombers' attack was already without Jake Stringer, who did not come up in time from a hamstring problem.
Former Melbourne forward Sam Weideman will make his Essendon debut, while ex-captain Dyson Heppell (foot) and Jye Caldwell were also named.
Ex-GWS and Carlton onballer Will Setterfield will debut for the Bombers, with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti named as an emergency.
Father-son recruit Alwyn Davey Jr will also make his AFL debut.
Hawthorn midfielder Harry Morrison has not recovered in time from his hamstring injury.
As forecast by coach Ross Lyon, St Kilda will debut No.10 draft pick Mattaes Phillipou and unheralded off-season recruit Anthony Caminiti in Sunday's Marvel Stadium game against Fremantle.
While Phillipou's pre-season form meant his debut is no surprise, Caminiti was brought in only last month and will play after pre-season injuries to fellow key forward Max King (shoulder) and Tim Membrey (knee).
But the Saints have lost Marcus Windhager to a hand injury.
Star recruits Luke Jackson and Jaeger O'Meara will play their first games for the Dockers and Nathan Wilson is back from injury.
Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane will return from his ACL injury last April on Sunday in the away game against GWS.
Former Gold Coast star Izak Rankine will play his first game for the Crows, who will also debut Max Michalanney.
After missing all last season to foot and hamstring injuries, forward Brent Daniels will return for the Giants.
