Port Adelaide AFL news: Charlie Dixon and Orazio Fantasia injury updates, training latest

Earlier this week, there was optimism around Charlie Dixon’s ankle injury. But that’s out the window - and the news isn’t much better for Orazio Fantasia.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 14: Charlie Dixon of Port Adelaide celebrates a goal during the round 22 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on August 14, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Charlie Dixon has had surgery on his ankle with Orazio Fantasia expected to also go under the knife.

With it settling better than expected, there was optimism that Dixon would avoid having surgery, after he tore ligaments in his ankle, following an awkward landing in a marking contest last month.

But Port Adelaide announced on Thursday that Dixon has undergone successful surgery on his ankle interstate, after a decision was made to operate on it.

Dixon had to go interstate for the procedure because of South Australia’s freeze on elective surgery.

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Orazio Fantasia, Charlie Dixon and Hugh Jackson watch on at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Mark Brake

The 31-year-old, who is one of the Power’s most important players, is now expected to be out for four to six weeks.

It was feared at the time of incident that Dixon could be out for up to three months.

Port Adelaide said Dixon was expected to remain in contention to face Brisbane in Round 1 at the Gabba.

Dixon has enjoyed two largely uninterrupted years on the injury front after suffering a serious leg injury in 2018.

After returning to action in 2019, a gruelling off-season with Travis Boak in America resulted in a career best year for Dixon in 2020 - in which he became an All-Australian.

In 2021, Dixon further reinforced his status as one of Port Adelaide’s most important players.

Fantasia was considered more likely of the two to go under the knife on a bothersome right knee injury.

Dixon, pictured after last year’s preliminary final loss, will miss four to six weeks. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

The former Essendon livewire had surgery on his left knee during the off-season but has been having issues with his right one this summer.

South Australia’s ban on elective surgery because of the Covid-19 pandemic had delayed any procedure for Fantasia, and his knee had been responding well to the rest.

But it is expected Fantasia will undergo surgery when possible.

A timeframe for Fantasia’s return, should he undergo surgery, is unclear.

The two Power stars were onlookers at training on Monday after players returned from a four-day break.

They were joined by new recruit Trent Dumont, who is off legs after a knee knock last week and draftee Hugh Jackson who had hip surgery last year.

Willem Drew suffered a cork last week but isn’t far from a return to full training.