St Mary’s will be without Sam Dobson until at least the start of the GFNL finals series after the star forward suffered a fractured collarbone in Saturday’s win over North Shore.
Co-coach Luke Rayner says the injury happened when Dobson copped a bump during the first half of the Saints’ 203-point hiding of the Seagulls.
“Whilst not in a lot of pain, he felt something not quite right in the collarbone region,” Rayner said.
“It’s probably the best possible scenario in terms of the fracture in that it’s not all the way through.
“Our physio says he’s never seen one like that, in terms that it’s usually a genuine crack through.
“Not great news for Dobbo, but not the worst possible news when we’re talking fractured collarbones.”
In the second year of his second stint at Anthony Costa Oval, he has kicked 30 goals from 11 games and was leading the Saints goalkicking until Lachie Peck and Harry McMahon kicked six and five goals, respectively, on the weekend.
He has 198 goals from 56 games at an average of 3.55 goals per game at St Mary’s.
“We’re hopeful of a four-week recovery,” Rayner said.
“He’s the ultimate professional, so he’ll do everything he possibly can to overcome it and get himself right.
“Hopefully, the first or second weekend of finals, he will be able to make his return.”
Dobson joins captain Jack Blood and Mathieson Medal contender Jarryd Garner on the sidelines.
Blood will be sidelined until the finals with an adductor issue, while Garner’s return from a broken hand could come in the final-round meeting with Bell Park on August 31.
X: @krockfootball
X: @krockfootball
