Current Essendon captain Zach Merrett missed the club's first training session in a move that was unsurprising to nobody.
The Bombers' first-to-fourth-year players returned to training on Monday with Merrett absent, while other Essendon leaders were present.
As captain in past years, Merrett would usually be at the first training setting the standards, but the 30-year-old is currently away for a wedding in Queensland and won't return until at least November 24.
Potential new skipper Andrew McGrath was in attendance, as was Mason Redman, Kyle Langford and Jordan Ridley.
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Merrett will likely be deposed of his captaincy in the off-season after requesting an ultimately failed trade to Essendon's rival Hawthorn.
Defender Zach Reid stated there was no issue with the playing group and the six-time Bombers best and fairest winner.
“The group is galvanised – we’re all good. He’s obviously not required yet, so that’s no big issue,” Reid said.
“But we’ll welcome him back with open arms. He’s our best player, and there’s no denying that.
“He’s going to make us a better team, so we’re going to welcome him back.”
Reid continued: "He’s still got two weeks until he officially comes back … so when he does, we will support him."