EFNL 2023: Ferntree Gully’s Luke McComb to miss two to four weeks with AC joint injury

Eastern league Division 3 heavyweight Ferntree Gully has provided an update on the shoulder injury to star on-baller Luke McComb.

FERNTREE GULLY is breathing a sigh of relief following an injury to captain Luke McComb in Saturday’s Eastern league Division 3 match.

The on-baller came from the field with a shoulder complaint after he was met heavily in a tackle before half-time in the top-of-the-table clash with Donvale, which the Eagles lost by 19 points.

McComb took no further part in the match after exiting the field.

Ferntree Gully senior coach Brent Kiker said the injury had since been revealed as less severe than first feared.

It’s a reprieve for the dual Vermont premiership star, who missed most of last season with an ankle injury.

Luke McComb (right) will miss two to four matches with a shoulder injury. Picture: Field of View Photography

“We were quite concerned, especially initially that it was a break or a fracture,” Kiker told Leader on Monday afternoon.

“But as it turns out, it’s a low-grade AC joint, so he’s looking at two to four (weeks).

“He got tackled and was straight into the deck.”

The Eagles slipped to second spot following Saturday’s loss, with the Vales drawing the ledger one-all after the pair had previously met in Round 3.

The coach lauded the work of Brodie Harrison who stood out in a best-on-ground performance for the Eagles in defence, while Ethan Kiker stepped up in the absence of McComb, featuring with nine tackles.

Meanwhile, under-19 captain Ben Noonan impressed through the middle in just his third senior match.

“I thought our effort all day was really good – especially after losing Luke,” Kiker said.

“They’ve got a very good midfield and I thought for us to still be leading at three-quarter time was a feat in itself.

“The wind aside, they (Donvale) deserved the win, and it’s one-all … they’re a very good side and definitely the team to beat.”

Ferntree Gully and Donvale next meet in Round 17 on August 5.

Kiker said his side could be closer to full strength in the next “two to three weeks”, with a host of key names due to return.

Reigning Division 3 best and fairest ruckman Daniel De Ieso could return in the next fortnight, while key forward Lachie Kennedy also isn’t far away according to the coach.

Mainstays Nick Woods, Tom Gasparroni, Lachie Young and Will Morrison are also expected to return.

“What it does is it exposes our depth … it’s about getting guys ready to step up and get the opportunity to play at the top level,” Kiker said.

Ferntree Gully hosts the sixth-placed Whitehorse Pioneers on Saturday.