Newtown & Chilwell is fearing the worst, with scans later this week on a knee injury suffered by youngster Riley Orr expected to confirm a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Playing just his fifth senior game for the Eagles, Orr suffered the injury while attempting to chase an opponent in the loss to St Mary’s at Elderslie Reserve.
Coach Damien McMahon labelled the injury “devastating” for Orr.
“Riley had a fantastic pre-season and found himself in our Round 1 team,” he said.
“It was his aim to play as a regular senior footballer at Newtown, and that was our aim for him also.
“It’s a real blow for him and for us. (It’s) disappointing, but he’ll recover and do the work that he needs to do to get himself back up and going.
“He’s only a very young player, and he’s got a lot of football ahead of him and an exciting future.”
Orr becomes the second GFNL player in as many weeks to have his season ended prematurely, joining Lara’s Sam Purdy.
“It was one of those injuries that are all too common,” McMahon said.
“He just twisted to chase a player, and his leg folded underneath him.
“It wasn’t like he had a collision or someone fell over him; it was that change of direction trying to lay a tackle.”
GFNL: BIG MAN AMONG TWO JOEYS SUSPENDED
The news is better for gun forward Flynn Young, who may be ready for Saturday’s meeting with Colac at Central Reserve.
A week after kicking seven goals in the season-opener against North Shore, the Werribee-listed Young suffered an ankle injury early in the clash with the Saints.
“He was at Werribee last night, and they’ll make an assessment on that,” McMahon said.
“I’d imagine he’s unlikely to play this week, but we’ll just have to wait and see how he goes on Thursday night.
“If he can get through a training session, he may still be available for selection.
“So, we’re not ruling him out just yet – we’ll give him every opportunity to be available.
“But, I’d say it’s going to be touch and go.”
GDFNL: PARISH CLEARED FOR WINCH RETURN
Barring Geelong VFL selection, Newtown & Chilwell should welcome back Liam Fiore for the matchup with the Tigers, while midfielder Liam Nash is closing in on his first appearance of the season.
Rhys Devilin, Rory Diamond, Alex Dunn and Jesse Colville are also in contention for promotion from the reserves.
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