Port speedster Matt White sidelined for at least 12 weeks with complete tear of pectoral muscle

UPDATE: PORT Adelaide’s run-and-gun game style has taken a major hit with speedster Matt White ruled out for at least three months.

AFL - Port Adelaide v St Kilda at Adelaide Oval. Matt White leaves the oval with a right shoulder injury. Photo Sarah Reed.

PORT Adelaide’s run-and-gun game style has taken a major hit with speedster Matt White ruled out for at least three months.

The Power’s worst fears were realised Wednesday when scans showed White’s right pectoral muscle — damaged when he laid a strong tackle in the first quarter of the 33-point win against St Kilda on Sunday — had completely ruptured, rather than just be sprained.

The dashing wingman/forward will need surgery to repair the chest muscle and will not play again until at least round 14.

Recovery time for a pectoral rupture can be anywhere between three and nine months but Port is confident White will return to action for the second half of the season and a possible finals campaign.

“It’s a complete rupture to the pectoral muscle, which for Whitey will mean he misses at least 12 weeks,” Power high performance manager Darren Burgess said.

“It’s really disappointing for him. He’ll spend six weeks in a sling (after surgery) and then we’ll progress (with rehabilitation) as required after that.”

White, 28, is integral to Port’s freewheeling game style because of his explosive pace and ball-carrying ability.

Before round one captain Travis Boak identified him as being like a new recruit after hamstring injuries hindered his 2015 campaign.

“He will make a big difference for us,’’ Boak said.

Now it’s back to the drawing board for White, who had enjoyed a strong pre-season.

He virtually becomes the third man down at Alberton following the season-long suspensions of ruckman Paddy Ryder and forward Angus Monfries, who were banned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the Essendon supplements scandal.

Port can now upgrade a third rookie to its senior list but no decision has yet been made by the club.

White’s injury opens the door for former Demon Jimmy Toumpas to play his first game for the Power in Showdown 40.

A running machine, Toumpas was a standout for the Port Magpies in the SANFL season opener against Norwood and is highly-regarded by coach Ken Hinkley.

‘He was really good for us through the pre-season and couldn’t have worked any harder to impress his teammates and the coaching staff,” Hinkley said.

Toumpas suffered a shoulder “stinger’’ at training Wednesday but completed the session and the Power says he is fit to play this weekend.

Fellow midfielders Aaron Young and Karl Amon also impressed against the Redlegs and are other options to replace White.

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