Essendon have confirmed ruckman Jason Laycock won't play again this AFL season because he needs surgery on a broken foot.

Laycock, 25, was injured in the VFL two weekends ago, but the Bombers have only just decided he will undergo surgery.

The blow is a potentially career-threatening one for Laycock, who has not played an AFL game this season as he played only two VFL games last year because of foot problems.

He played the last of his 58 AFL games in round 20, 2008.

In better news for the Bombers, young midfielder Jake Melksham (ankle) and defender Henry Slattery (ribs) are a chance to play Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.

Both missed Friday night's win over the Western Bulldogs and will face fitness tests later this week.

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