Sturt’s forward Ben Hansen damages shoulder in SANFL win over Eagles

Sturt small forward Ben Hansen’s nightmare injury run has continued and there are fears for his season.

• Sturt overcomes injury to beat Eagles
• Another setback for luckless Crow

Luckless Sturt small forward Ben Hansen has been struck down by another serious injury, with fears his season could be over, in a huge blow for the Double Blues.

Hansen damaged his shoulder in the first quarter of his long-awaited return to the league side, against Woodville-West Torrens at Unley Oval on Saturday and is expected to have scans on Monday.

The Double Blues are resigned to losing him for at least three weeks, but there are concerns he will not play again in 2019. And Guy Page will be out of action for eight weeks after breaking his leg in the opening minutes of the seven-point win.

The Blues are looking good early thanks to Hansen #7SANFL pic.twitter.com/GXIeAlAB51

— 7SANFL (@7SANFL) April 6, 2019

The Double Blues break the 10 year curse against the Eagles pic.twitter.com/wTLSucIWkz

— 7SANFL (@7SANFL) April 6, 2019

Long-kicking Hansen has endured a nightmare injury run since playing a key role in Sturt’s 2016 grand final win. His hopes of back-to-back premiership medallions were wrecked when his back seized nine minutes into the preliminary final win over Woodville-West Torrens, and he watched the grand final win over Port Adelaide from the grandstand.

Last season, Hansen made only two brief appearances in the reserves because of the back problems. He fronted in the reserves last week before being promoted for his first league appearance since 2017, only to hurt the shoulder.

His courage was evident when he returned to the game briefly in the third quarter with his right arm hanging limp.

The need to put Hansen back in the contest was necessary because of a game-ending injury for Page five minutes into the first quarter and the absence of on-baller Aidan Riley, who had left the ground to have a head wound treated.

“All the work Ben had done and he was looking fit, for that to happen is shattering,” Hansen said. “He was super early.

“We have our fingers crossed for the best result.”

Hansen nailed the Double Blues’ second goal midway through the first quarter and he was swamped by teammates, such was the significance of his return.

The opening goal was kicked by Jake Sutcliffe, who was also making his season debut in the league side and was given more game time than planned because injuries.

The Double Blues are optimistic of regaining John Greenslade for the battle against Norwood at The Parade on Friday night.