The unusual reason why Dylan Shiel missed Essendon’s final pre-season game

The reason for Essendon star Dylan Shiel’s mysterious absence from the club’s pre-season program - including their final hit-out - can now be revealed.

In an unusual step on the eve of the opening round, the Bombers midfielder booked himself into a seven-day leadership and professional development camp.

The 28-year-old didn’t train last Thursday and was a surprise scratching from the team’s final AFL pre-season hit-out against St Kilda on Saturday night.

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Shiel was officially named as an emergency but did not attend the game.

To date, Essendon had not publicly explained his absence - they had only indicated the former GWS Giants player will be available for round one.

The Bombers, who returned to the finals last year but lost to the Bulldogs in an elimination final, will face Geelong at the MCG on Saturday, March 19.

Essendon told 7NEWS they approved and supported the initiative put forward by Shiel, putting a personal training plan in place for his time away from the club.

Shiel would not have played in the game regardless, according to the club, due to an ongoing quad issue.

The pre-season hit-out would have been an important test for Shiel’s match fitness after missing an intra-club in February.

But Essendon say he will be selected for round one - if he can prove his fitness.

Shiel was in Essendon’s leadership group in 2020, but was left out in 2021 and again in 2022.

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Shiel works in a part-time property job arranged by Essendon and approved by the AFL.

He has three years left on his lucrative Bombers deal worth up to $800,000 per season.

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