EFL 2019: Vermont star forward Andrew Ainger to miss start of Eastern Football League season

Vermont could be without two of its premiership stars for the start of its Eastern Football League flag defence.

Andrew Ainger kicks one of his five goals in last year’s grand final. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Vermont could be without two of its premiership stars for the start of its Eastern Football League flag defence.

Grand final best on ground Andrew Ainger is battling a knee injury and 198cm ruckman Liam Buxton is tracking well at Casey Demons and could be in line for some game time early in the VFL season.

Ainger suffered the knee injury at training recently, and president Michael Rennie said the champion forward would miss the start of the EFL Premier division campaign.

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The former SANFL spearhead kicked 45 goals last year, including five in the decider to be awarded the Cliff Tomkins/Blue Ribbon Medal.

“I think at this stage he’s just injured a medial from what I understand,” Rennie said.

“I think maybe a couple of early games he’ll probably be out for but I’m not sure how long he’ll be out. I don’t really know a lot about it.”

Buxton has been one of the top performers at Casey’s pre-season.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best ruckmen in suburban ranks.

Vermont judged him its best finals player and he was named Eastern’s best player in the interleague clash against Geelong.

Rennie said the Eagles may not see much of Buxton in 2019.

Liam Buxton flies for a mark. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“I haven’t spoken to him recently but I know a few weeks ago I saw him and it sounded like he was really enjoying it there,” Rennie said.
“They’ve got their situation probably with (recruit) Braydon Preuss from North Melbourne but I think at this stage it is probably one of those ones, if he fits well into their structures and into their team, we would expect he would play a fair bit of footy at Casey.

“I don’t know whether he’ll play a lot of footy at Vermont but we’ll just see how it goes.”

Rennie tipped Buxton could make the jump to the state league.

“He played some great footy for us last year and as a young man just started to show that maturity,” he said.

“Certainly at VFL level he’s got some great things ahead of him.”

Vermont opens its season against Norwood at Terrara Rd on April 6.