Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell will miss the start of the AFL season after breaking his finger in Victoria’s State of Origin weekend win over Western Australia.
Scans on the Gold Coast Suns star’s left hand have revealed a fractured finger, with Rowell to undergo surgery this week.
In a blow to the Suns’ hopes of starting the new season with a win, Rowell will miss Gold Coast’s Opening Round clash against Geelong on March 6 at People First Stadium.
“A timeframe around his return to play will be determined following the operation,” Suns head physiotherapist Andrew Weller said.
It’s understood Rowell suffered the injury while smothering a kick during his Victorian team’s 24-point win over WA at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Rowell wasn’t the only Victorian player injured in the game, with Carlton star Jacob Weitering suffering a broken rib.
There was fears Weitering had suffered a more serious injury after being crunched in a marking contest with WA forward Mitch Georgiades.
However, the key defender was cleared of any neck, spinal or major internal injuries.
Weitering remains in contention to play in Carlton’s Opening Round match against the Sydney Swans at the SCG on March 5.
Meanwhile, the Suns also have also lost small forward Jake Rogers and ruck Max Knobel to respective hamstring and ankle injuries suffered on the training paddock.
“Jake has suffered a moderate hamstring strain which will see him unavailable for the two pre-season matches,” Weller said.
“Scans on Max’s ankle has confirmed a high-grade lateral ligament ankle injury which will also keep him sidelined in the medium term.”
The Suns host St. Kilda in a match-simulation contest on Thursday night at People First Stadium.
