MPNFL 2021: Sorrento lose to Rosebud, suffer 10 injuries

Hamstrings, calves and even a broken leg...Sorrento’s injury toll from its first-up loss in the MPNFL will sideline some of the Sharks’ best players.

Sorrento's James Brigden (left) and Nick Marston (33) fly for a mark against Rosebud. Pictrure: David Caspar

They nearly ran out of ice at Sorrento on Saturday, there were so many players nursing ice packs.

A spate of soft tissue injuries compounded the Sharks’ 55-point loss to Rosebud.

“I haven’t got the exact count but it was something like two calves and seven hammys,” Sorrento vice president Anthony Ring said.

“There were a few sore boys.”

The injury toll included some of Sorrento’s key players.

Former St Kilda player Will Johnson, in his first game for Sorrento, tore his calf in the opening quarter.

Gun defender James Bridgen did his hamstring and had to play as a decoy forward late in the game because there was no bench.

Shannon Gladman suffered a leg injury. Picture: David Caspar

Nat Diconza and Zach Byrns did hammys, while Shannon Gladman and Marcus Gardner also hobbled off with soft tissue injuries.

The worst injury was to Sorrento full-back Angus Callaghan, who fractured his tibia but played out the game.

“He didn’t realise until after game,” Ring said.

“His leg was sore so he had a scan.”

Adelaide Crows recruit Myles Poholke also appeared to tweak a calf.

The injuries only add to the Sharks early-season concerns.

Sorrento playing coach Luke Tapscott.

Sorrento went into the game without gun forward Leigh Poholke, who had a calf injury, and coach Luke Tapscott (hamstring).

“He was going to play on the weekend but at training I just don’t think he felt good,” Ring said of Tapscott.

“Whether or not he gets up for the week after I don’t now.”

Sorrento’s next game isn’t until Saturday, April 17.

Ring was at a loss to explain the spate of soft tissue injuries.

“Whether it was a preparation thing, I’m not sure,” he said.

“We’ve had 18 months off footy...it’s better to get a wake-up call now than later in the year I suppose.

“Take nothing away from Rosebud, they were fantastic. (Nick) Jewell’s a good coach and he gets the best out of his boys and their pressure and intensity unfortunately got the best of us.

“It’s a set-back we didn’t need, but we’ll bounce back. We’ve got some good depth and some good players. I’m sure if they get a go in the seniors they’ll grab it with both hands.”

Former St Kilda City wingman Matt Wilson signed with Sorrento recently and played in the Sharks’ reserves on Saturday. He might get a senior opportunity earlier than expected.