BATTERED EAGLE EYE

EAST Geelong’s Bobby Griffiths went from seeing stars to counting his lucky ones in the space of a few hours.

The 28-year-old forward suffered “nine or 10” fractures to his cheek in the Eagles’ win over North Geelong on Saturday, putting his season in doubt.

Griffiths copped the accidental hit from a Magpies opponent as he went to lay a tackle in the second quarter.

But instead of going off, Griffiths stayed on, finishing with six goals in a matchwinning performance.

It wasn’t until after the game that he realised just how lucky he was.

“It made a bit of a mess of it,” Griffiths said of his cheek.

“I was in emergency on Saturday night and they did a CT scan and they reckon there are nine to 10 fractures through the cheek. It’s all in line, so as of now it shouldn’t need surgery. I can’t risk getting another knock on it or otherwise that’s when I will really be in trouble.”

Griffiths will see a specialist next week, but conceded it was likely his 2018 was over.

“I think I’ll be in strife for a while,” he said.

“I’m just glad it’s in line and hopefully I don’t need surgery or anything like that. That’s when it starts costing you money and whatever.”

Griffiths admits he was “pretty glad” he did not know how serious the hit to his face was until after the game.

“It was pretty sore (when I did it). It got sorer after the game and I was a bit worried and that’s when I decided to get it checked out,” he said.

“It’s probably the best one I’ve copped. I sort of knew it wasn’t just a stinger.

“It was a weird pain. It feels like when you go to the dentist and you get a jab of anaesthetic and your face goes numb but it’s painful at the same time.”

The setback was a double blow for Griffiths, who has battled knee tendinitis this year.

“I’m barely getting through training during the week and trying to get myself right for a Saturday,” he said.

“I started a new treatment and that was probably the first time I have got through the warm up without being in pain. And then I go and do this.

“I just started to get fit and feel good and then you’re back to square one.”

Griffiths said watching from the sidelines would be made harder given the progress the Eagles have made on-field.

“We are going in the right direction,” Griffiths said.

“We’ve had a bit of a rough run with injuries this year, but we are making some really good progress. The win on the weekend certainly helps lift the spirits.”