AFL: North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri to undergo shoulder surgery, season likely over
Tristan Xerri’s development has been one of the Kangaroos’ positive stories this season but he might not play again in season 2022.
AFL
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North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri is unlikely to play again this season as he prepares to have surgery on his injured right shoulder.
The 201cm big man has enjoyed a breakout season and re-signed for three more years in June, eight months after unsuccessfully requesting a trade to St Kilda.
His absence will provide an extended opportunity for former Tiger Callum Coleman-Jones, who has made only four senior appearances this season.
Xerri has dealt with AC joint soreness for more than a month after sustaining a knock and it was starting to detrimentally impact his performance in games, the club’s head of performance Kevin White said.
“We’ve been managing it conservatively through non-contact training during the week,” White said.
“While he’s been performing strength work in the gym; it’s got to the point now where it’s really limiting his ability to perform, especially in aerial contests.
“He saw a specialist earlier in the week and we’ve decided the surgical route will be the most effective in dealing with the problem.”
Xerri has played a career-most 12 matches this year, giving him 24 in total, averaging 10 disposals and 22 hit-outs while operating in tandem with fellow ruckman Todd Goldstein.
The 23-year-old was frustrated about his lack of opportunities last season but he snatched a round 1 spot with a strong pre-season.
A foot injury sidelined Xerri from rounds 7 to 9 but he otherwise played every game.
He likely joins prized midfielder Will Phillips (glandular fever), Miller Bergman (shoulder) and potentially veteran Ben Cunnington (testicular cancer) in his season being over.
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Originally published as AFL: North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri to undergo shoulder surgery, season likely over
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