Star West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the AFL season and defender Tom Cole could follow suit.
McGovern hasn’t played since suffering broken ribs in the round 14 loss to Geelong.
The 30-year-old spent several nights in hospital and underwent surgery to have a plate inserted following the incident.
McGovern has made some tentative steps in his recovery over the past fortnight but a medical review on Wednesday deemed the premiership defender wouldn’t be fit to return in the final six rounds.
“It was on the cards, the way he’s pulled up,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
“It’s significant damage and as much as he wants to (return), it’s not worth the risk.
“He had a similar type of injury a few years ago and did some damage internally as well.
“He’s going to make a full recovery so there’s no worries there. It’s just too quick to worry about playing football (this year).”
The Eagles also announced ruckman Luke Strnadica has left the club for personal reasons.
The former Docker was picked up by West Coast as a supplementary selection but hasn’t featured since playing in rounds six and seven.
Fellow SSP selection Tom Joyce has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a bone stress injury in his ankle.
He and McGovern join Oscar Allen (foot), Campbell Chesser (ankle) and Dom Sheed (shin) as players who won’t play again this year.
Cole, who is on the comeback trail from an ankle injury, could join the growing list – the 25-year-old hasn’t played all year and is running out of time.
“He’s probably more unlikely to get back,” Simpson said.
“And if he did, he’d have to play a block of games at WAFL.”
Simpson is hopeful Elliot Yeo will return in the next week or two from a hamstring injury.
Sore West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui will be named for Bahis sitesi Yazilimi Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG but is no guarantee to play.
Goalsneak Willie Rioli junior will miss the match following the death of his father Willie Rioli senior at the age of 50.
Rioli has flown to the Northern Territory to be with his family.
“I spoke to Willie briefly. It came us a real shock for everyone, and our heart goes out to him and his family,” Simpson said.
“We’ll give him all the time he needs to look after his family and himself.
“Willie’s father was highly respected and regarded as a person and as a past player as well.”