Serious knee injury rules Angus Rowntree out of Eagles’ grand final team

WOODVILLE-West Torrens midfielder Angus Rowntree has again been cruelly robbed of a grand final appearance, after suffering a serious knee injury in Sunday’s semi-final win over West Adelaide.

WOODVILLE-West Torrens midfielder Angus Rowntree has again been cruelly robbed of grand final appearance after suffering a serious knee injury in Sunday’s second semi-final win over West Adelaide.

And the Eagles will also be without Angus Poole, also because of a knee issue.

Poole left the game early in the third term and has all but been ruled out of the grand final at Adelaide Oval on September 27.

The Eagles will face the winner of Sunday’s preliminary final clash between the Bloods and Central District on Sunday.

Rowntree missed the 2011 grand final triumph because of pneumonia and will have tests this week on his damaged knee.

However, coach Michael Godden already fears the worst for the Magarey Medal runner-up.

“He looks to have done his ACL,’’ Godden said.

“I’m devastated, it is bittersweet feeling at the moment. I’m pretty emotional about it.

“I’ve been through three (knee reconstructions) myself and I know how hard it is to come back from them. We have a chance to win a flag ... he missed the last one.

“As for Pooley, he has worked his butt off but we will wait and see for the results of his tests.’’ Rowntree was stretchered from the ground with the serious injury just 10 minutes into Sunday’s battle. Even so early in the game, he had already racked up three possessions and kicked a goal.

The talented on-baller has already had a knee reconstruction after rupturing the ACL in his left knee against South Adelaide late in the 2013 season.

The Bloods also had just one fit player on the bench for much of the second half after losing Aaron Fielke and Logan Hill due to concussion.

Hill was carried from the ground in the third quarter after a collision with teammate Adam Hartlett, who had to have a knee heavily strapped.