EFL 2019: Vermont ruckman Robbie Ross suffers punctured lung and broken ribs in win over Doncaster

Vermont has coped another significant injury blow after ruckman suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs in the Eagles’ win over Doncaster.

Robbie Ross goes up in the ruck in Vermont’s Round 1 game. Picture: Field of View Sports Photography

Vermont ruckman Robbie Ross is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after suffering a punctured lung in the Eagles’ win over Doncaster.

Play was delayed by about 20 minutes during the second quarter on Saturday and an ambulance was called to Schramms Reserve.

Ross was taken to Box Hill Hospital, where it was confirmed he suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung.

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It was Vermont’s second long-term injury of the season after star midfielder Christian Burgess went down with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in Round 1.

Had to proud of the Players and Trainers yesterday for an lncredible effort under very difficult circumstances. we all wish Robbie Ross a quick and full recovery. we all were hurting nearly as much as he was. lee

— Vermont Eagles (@VermontFC) April 14, 2019

We've got a big delay here, @VermontFC player down and stretched off but still on the field and ambulance required. 15 minute mark @DoncasterSharks 3.4.22 @VermontFC 4.8.32

— Doncaster FC (@DoncasterSharks) April 13, 2019

“It was just in a ruck contest but obviously disappointing for Robbie and all the boys as well,” Vermont coach Harmit Singh said.

“It’s probably going to be medium-term, you’d think, which is unfortunate given on Saturday we had seven or eight premiership players not playing.”

Captain Lachlan Johns continued his blazing start to the season in the 46-point victory, kicking four goals to be judged Vermont’s best player for the second consecutive week.

Casey Demons defender Cory Stockdale also made his debut for the Eagles after playing 12 VFL games, including the grand final, last year.

Johns missed most of last season with an ankle injury but returned for the finals to help Vermont to the premiership.

“I couldn’t have been more impressed by Lachie as a player and person since he first came back to the club,” Singh said.

“Twelve months ago he’s taken on the captaincy, unfortunately missed a lot of last year with injury but got back and played a role for us.

“This year he’s been able to do a full summer of work and he’s just a quality player. For me, he’s in the upper echelon of players in the competition.”

Spearhead Andrew Ainger is set to return from an off-season knee injury for the Round 3 game against Montrose.

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