Charlie Curnow to undergo surgery, GWS gun out for a month in AFL injury carnage
A Carlton superstar is in doubt for Round 1 after undergoing surgery, while a GWS Giants gun will miss the start of the season with injury.
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A Carlton superstar has undergone minor knee surgery to address a complaint relating to an old injury, and it will reportedly cost him his Round 1 availability.
Meanwhile, the injury news for No.1 pick Sam Lalor isn’t good, but he remains a Round 1 chance.
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Two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow underwent a procedure on his knee on Tuesday, but the Blues believe he ‘remains on track to feature in the opening rounds’ of the season.
“This procedure allowed for the removal of a screw that is no longer required from an old knee injury, which the club was able to identify as the cause of a small level of discomfort for Curnow over the last week,” a club communication read.
“The club has been able to move quickly to have it corrected to ensure there will be no ongoing impact for Curnow once the season begins.
“Due to the minor nature of the surgery, Curnow will be able to recommence running within the week, full training in the coming weeks and be available to play in either Rounds 1 or 2.”
And while there is no firm club commitment on his Round 1 availability, Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark reports Curnow will miss the Blues’ opening clash with Richmond as a result of the setback.
There is nothing easy about Carlton’s early-season schedule, facing Hawthorn in Round 2, the Western Bulldogs in Round 3, and Collingwood in Round 4.
Swingman Brodie Kemp could be relied upon to fill the potential Curnow void alongside Harry McKay against Richmond, while fellow hybrid Jack Silvagni has been training in defence this pre-season after completing his ACL rehabilitation.
GWS DEALT GIANT INJURY BLOW
In other news, GWS has copped a giant blow with Tom Green expected to miss at least the opening month of the season.
“The 24-year-old was involved in Friday’s match simulation but played just one quarter before reporting calf soreness,” the Giants said in a club statement.
“Following the session, Green was sent for a scan, with the results determining the extent of the calf strain.
“Green is expected to be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks and will therefore will miss the start of the Giants’ 2025 campaign.”
The best case scenario, at this stage, is that he would miss four weeks which would position Green to potentially make his return in Round 3 against Hawthorn given the Giants have the bye in Round 2.
Green is coming off another impressive season where he further established himself as one of the AFL’s best midfielders, finishing runner-up for the club’s Kevin Sheedy Medal for the second year running.
TIGERS’ NO.1 PICK SET FOR SIDELINE STINT
After Richmond confirmed the big-bodied midfielder would enter concussion protocols for a hefty knock suffered on Monday, it since revealed Lalor suffered a hairline fracture in his jaw, with surgery deemed necessary to repair the issue.
While it is undoubtedly a hurdle in his progress towards an early-season AFL debut, the Tigers believe Lalor is still in the frame to play in Round 1 against Carlton.
“Scans have confirmed that Richmond midfielder/forward Sam Lalor has sustained an undisplaced hairline fracture of his jaw following a collision late in yesterday’s match simulation,” a Tuesday club statement read.
“Lalor will have surgery to aid his recovery, with a timeline of his return to play to be clearer at a later stage. It is still hoped that he will be available for the Round 1 game against Carlton on March 13.
“The 18-year-old has also entered the concussion protocols, with the Club having already ruled him out of next Wednesday’s Charity Shield clash against Collingwood.
“Richmond will monitor Lalor closely over the coming period and provide a further update on his recovery when available.”
In Western Australia on Monday, Lalor copped the worst of a brutal marking contest in which he appeared to be shoved under the ball by West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey.
The incident occurred with just seconds remaining in the match simulation hit-out, with the Tigers falling by 36 points in their three-period clash with the Eagles.
The exciting talent, who booted a team-high two goals, entered the league’s concussion protocols shortly after the hit-out.
“Richmond can confirm that first-year midfielder/forward Sam Lalor has entered the concussion protocols,” the Tigers shared via X on Monday.
“Lalor will be unavailable for next Wednesday’s Charity Shield clash against Collingwood at Ikon Park.”
Richmond development boss Sam Lonergan gave a brief update on Lalor’s condition post-match.
“He’s got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment,” Lonergan told media in WA.
“I suspect that he’ll be ready (for Round 1) regardless – we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
“We need to manage his load and work out what he’s capable of doing.”
The 18-year-old was arguably Richmond’s brightest spark on the day as the side’s only multiple goalkicker, imposing himself as a dangerous forward-50 target.
“There is possibly a bad injury here (with) Lalor under the pack — that’s not what the Tigers want,” Fox Footy caller Adam Papalia said in immediate reaction.
“That’s heart-in-mouth stuff for Richmond fans ... The biggest story here is that Sam Lalor has now gone off the field after that nasty collision in that marking contest.”
Former West Coast defender Will Schofield: “That’s the last possible thing (anyone) wants. We’re hoping that’s not going to be a lot of time out of the game.”
MORE INJURY PAIN FOR VETERAN CAT
Veteran Geelong ball-winner Cam Guthrie has undergone ‘minor’ surgery on a troublesome Achilles, the Cats revealed on Tuesday.
The 2022 premiership player faces an indefinite timeline for return.
“Our medical and high performance team are confident that surgery was the best step for Cameron to fully recover and give himself the best chance to perform,” Geelong executive general manager Andrew Mackie said.
“The aim for Cameron is to be back on the track in the next fortnight and integrated into football drills within the month. A return to play timeline will be finalised in the early stages of the season.”
The 32-year-old was limited to four games last season due to a combination of quad and Achilles issues.
At the Kennel, it was revealed on Monday the Western Bulldogs would be without yet another one of their stars to begin their season, with livewire forward Cody Weightman set to miss the first half of the campaign as he undergoes knee surgery.
The 24-year-old goalsneak will miss at least the next three months of footy. He played in Saturday’s match simulation against Essendon.
According to the Bulldogs, Weightman has a rare congenital condition called bipartite patella, which involves a false joint that sits within his kneecap bone. The club has ultimately determined surgery is the optimal way to address the issue.
“This injury has not caused Cody any concerns across his career until he received some direct impact on it during a pre-season training session,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said in a Monday club statement.
“Conservative management has failed to improve Cody’s symptoms, meaning surgery has become the best option.
“With this being a very rare presentation, the club has consulted multiple specialist opinions, with the decision to surgically stabilise the joint within the kneecap the most viable option that will see Cody return to football in the second half of season 2025.
“A return to play plan will be finalised in coming weeks, with Cody set to miss the next three months.”
The 76-gamer booted 27 goals from 17 matches last season, having also juggled groin and elbow ailments.
Weightman joins fellow walk-up starters Adam Treloar (calf) and Liam Jones (hamstring) on the sidelines, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal) remains without a timeline for return. Veteran Jason Johannisen (hamstring) is also currently out of action.
Originally published as Charlie Curnow to undergo surgery, GWS gun out for a month in AFL injury carnage
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