EFNL 2025: ‘Horrific’ injury ends Warrandyte scratch-match

A final practice hitout between two clubs in Melbourne’s north ended prematurely on Saturday following a “horrific” injury. Latest here.

It’s a bitter blow for Warrandyte on the eve of the season.

The Eastern Division 4 club’s final practice match was called off just before half-time on Saturday following an injury to emerging midfielder Lachie Pollock, which senior coach Paul Donahoo described as “horrific”.

“He went back with the flight (of the ball), was in a bit of a contest, landed awkwardly and has fractured both bones in his forearm,” Donahoo said, whose side played Northern club Kilmore at JJ Clancy Reserve.

“We called an ambulance … the poor bugger was in a fair bit of pain throughout that.

“It was compound fractures as well, so the bones had come through – it was just horrific.

“The arm was not a pretty sight.”

Warrandyte led the match by 18 points at the time of its cancellation.

“We had a women’s game on after us, and we probably could have played a 20-minute last quarter but there was just no point, for the guys mentally and hamstrings and calves, anything else that was there,” Donahoo said.

Warrandyte coach Paul Donahoo. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Donahoo said Pollock, 22, would undergo surgery this week and was set for a long lay-off.

“He was stepping up … he was probably going to become a full-time midfielder, he’s one of the fittest at the club, rarely misses a session and very courageous on-field,” he said.

“Early reports I’d say it’s season done … I’d imagine a recovery would be minimum eight weeks, but the way he did it, maybe even more.

“It’s not a simple one … he’d be lucky to play again this year, which is a shame before Round 1.”

Warrandyte launches its season away to Eastern league newcomer Bulleen Templestowe on Saturday.