St Albans excitement machine Harrison Cockerell will miss the 2025 GFNL season after suffering a serious knee injury in the club’s first practice match earlier this month.
Scans have confirmed the high-flying Cockerell ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the win over Northern League club Banyule on March 8.
He was the Supersaints’ leading goalkicker in 2024 and won AFL Victoria’s Mark of the Year for an impressive grab against eventual premier Leopold.
“I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but it was in a marking contest,” first-year coach Rick Munn said.
“He came to the ground and I think someone sort of came across him at the same time.
“We’re just shattered for him. He’s a great kid; we love him and we’ll do everything we can to support him.
“He’s electric – he’s got a great leap and he’s got great potential.”
Munn said Cockerell, who St Albans hopes to take a coaching role with its reserves, appeared to have carried last year’s form into 2025.
“He was flying. I think he kicked three goals in the 15 minutes (he played) in the practice match against Banyule,” Munn said.
“It’s really unfortunate for him and the footy club.”
Cockerell’s injury is a rare blip in an encouraging pre-season for the Supersaints.
After beating Banyule, Munn’s men had the better of reigning Hampden League runner-up North Warrnambool on Saturday.
Key forward Tom Higgins made his first appearance on the weekend and kicked four goals, while brothers Jed and Kye Warrin have been early eye-catchers after arriving at Concept Oval in the off-season.
“Jed has been outstanding,” Munn said. “He’s put on some good size as well, (and) he’s whacked a minute off his 2km, so he’s fit and he’s strong, and he’s playing inside mid minutes for us.
“Kai has been outstanding as a forward-ruck for us. He’s really athletic and he’s such a competitor.”
After two weeks on the road, St Albans will host Bentleigh on Sunday before rounding out a busy month against Kinglake the following Saturday.
The Supersaints will enjoy a weekend off before opening its 2025 campaign against Lara on April 12.
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