Demons big gun out for weeks
MELBOURNE’S premiership defence has been dealt another significant blow as captain Max Gawn faces an extended stint on the sidelines with a syndesmosis injury.
The injury, which he sustained during Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG, is set to keep the star Demons ruckman out for between three and five weeks.
Gawn experienced back and ankle soreness in the loss to the Magpies with scans confirming the ankle injury.
But the Demons said scans showed the ankle area was stable and Gawn did not require surgery.
“Max had a left ankle concern during the game and, while he managed to battle through, was quite sore afterwards,” Melbourne’s general manager of AFL performance Alan Richardson said.
“He had some scans on Tuesday, which unfortunately showed some ligament damage.
“Max will be in a moon boot until early next week and will then begin his structured rehabilitation program.
“It’s obviously disappointing that we will be without our leader for the next three to five weeks, but we’re hopeful it’ll be a relatively quick recovery for Max, and he won’t miss too much footy.”
The Gawn injury blow comes on the back of three straight losses for the Demons and last week’s off-field drama following the altercation between Steven May and Jake Melksham.
The Demons also recently lost key forward Tom McDonald following surgery for a lisfranc foot injury, that will sideline him until late in the season.
Gawn, the 2021 All-Australian captain, is ranked first in the league for contested possessions and intercept marks among ruckmen and second for disposals and score involvements.
Meanwhile, the Demons also confirmed young defender Daniel Turner suffered facial fractures during his debut AFL match against Collingwood and will require surgery on the injury.
Subbed out of the match in the third quarter under concussion protocols, Turner will miss about four weeks following the operation that is scheduled for this week.
“This is a disappointing outcome for Daniel, who has worked extremely hard to earn his spot in the senior side,” Richardson said.
Melbourne has the bye this week ahead of a Round 15 Thursday night clash against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
The Demons relinquished their position at the top of the ladder after their loss to Collingwood.