Bob Skilton floored by back surgery and will miss his second Brownlow Medal count in more than 50 years

AFL LEGEND Bob Skilton has been floored by back surgery and will miss just his second Brownlow Medal count in more than 50 years.

Bob Skilton pictured at the Epworth Rehabilitation facility in Brighton. Picture: Stephen Harman

AFL LEGEND Bob Skilton has been floored by back surgery and will miss just his second Brownlow Medal count in more than 50 years.

But the triple Brownlow Medallist said yesterday he was “more than hopeful” of returning to his feet by the end of the year as he recovers from a decompression infusion operation on his lower back.

Skilton, 77, expects to spend the next 10 days at Brighton’s Epworth Rehabilitation Center and is able to move around with the aid of a walking frame.

The South Melbourne champion missed the 2013 Brownlow count after suffering a serious blood infection following a routine left hip replacement.

That illness triggered five operations as Skilton spent almost five months in hospital and another in rehabilitation.

Bob Skilton. Picture: Stephen Harman

Skilton was in good spirits yesterday — and hopeful his Swans were on their way to a third premiership in 12 seasons.

“It’s 6-12 weeks (recovery time), but there’s no guarantee on anything,” Skilton said.

“It’s not a quick thing (but) I’m more than hopeful. The important part is doing the right thing and that’s what I intend to do.

“I’ll be wearing a brace for a while, but I’m on the mend and I’m in good hands.”

The nine-time South Melbourne best-and-fairest went under the knife on August 26.

He remains in love with AFL and said he’ll be tracking September results closely.

“It’s always sad (to sit out finals events), particularly when your side is doing well,” Skilton said.

“But regardless, I love the game and night’s like the Brownlow are terrific. Unfortunately, your health has got to come first.”

Skilton — who won the Brownlow in 1959, 1963 and 1968 — admitted his premiership choice was “very biased”.

And he is tipping an open Brownlow count this year despite the brilliant season by Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield.

“The Brownlow is pretty open I think. Dangerfield could well have the votes on the board, (but) Selwood might pinch some of them but he’s been so consistent,” Skilton.

“(Sydney onballer) Josh Kennedy is one who’s always in and under.”