MPFNL: Pines ruckman Russell Gabriel suffers arm injury in training

A Mornington Peninsula league Division 1 club has given an update on its star ruckman after a training mishap.

Russell Gabriel (left) rucking for Pines against Frankston YCW last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Six weeks out from the start of the season, Pines is dealing with an injury blow.

Champion ruckman Russell Gabriel suffered a suspected ruptured biceps tendon during competitive training with Southern league club Cranbourne last Friday night.

“It probably looks like he’s done a biceps tendon,” Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

“But I don’t know if he’ll need it operated on.

“Best case would be six weeks (on the sidelines).”

Swayn said Gabriel went straight to hospital after sustaining the injury.

“There was absolutely nothing in it,” he said.

“He tackled a guy and the guy wasn’t even going at speed.”

Former VFL big man Gabriel is one of the best ruckmen in MPFNL Division 1.

Swayn said he was in great shape before the injury.

“That’s the annoying part, he’s in really good nick…probably five kilos lighter than last year,” he said.

Russell Gabriel.

Beau Hendry.

Pines finished third on the ladder after the home and away rounds last season, and has retained key players Shane Savage, Gabriel and Luke Potts.

Swayn said it was unknown how long Gabriel would be sidelined but was hopeful of getting him back in the first half of the season.

He said former captain Beau Hendry would fill the ruck void.

“This time last year Beau Hendry wasn’t even on the track whereas he’s had his best pre-season for ages,” Swayn said.

“Touch wood he’s injury free.”

Swayn said apart from Gabriel, Pines’ list was healthy and fit.

“This time last year we had (Luke) Dalmau in rehab, (Khyal) Jacobson, (Jayden) Adams, (Shane) Savage and Beau Hendry all in rehab. Now they’re all out on the track. They’ve all had really good pre seasons.”