Melbourne could be without skipper Max Gawn for a huge clash against the Bombers this week after the ruck woke up worse for wear after suffering an ankle injury against the Eagles yesterday.
Gawn appeared to hurt his ankle late in the second quarter when his foot struck Harley Reid’s leg as he attempting to kick the ball forward out of a stoppage.
Gawn battled on in the second half of the contest but was eventually subbed out in the last quarter with the game well and truly in Melbourne’s favour.
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Gawn said on Monday that he was likely to miss the blockbuster clash against the Bombers on Saturday night.
“It’s pretty sore, I must admit. I woke up very sore. Obviously played the second half in a bit of distress,” Gawn said.
“At this stage, I’m thinking that (I will miss), just because of how sore it is, but I’ve seen some stuff that the human body can do and it can certainly turn around pretty quickly.
“I’m always looking quite optimistic at these things. I don’t exactly know what it really is yet so we’re waiting for a bit of information, I’m sure we’ll get it to you this afternoon. I’d say it’s more of a short-term thing – I’m hoping – but it is pretty sore.”
The Dees would be likely to turn to former Lion Tom Fullarton to shoulder the ruck load in Gawn’s absence, unless they blood youngster Will Verrall, who is still very much a raw prospect.
Fullarton played 19 games at Brisbane before arriving at Melbourne over the off-season.
The Queenslander has a basketball background and has put together some strong form at VFL level to push his case.
A combination of Jacob Van Rooyen, Daniel Turner, Tom McDonald and Harrison Petty could also be used in stints by Simon Goodwin.
The Dees are expected to provide some more clarity on Gawn’s availability early this week.
Source Agencies
