Sam Groth set for full shoulder reconstruction after footy accident

SAM Groth’s hopes of making the transition from the international tennis circuit to football have been shattered with the giant requiring some major surgery.

Sam Groth is set for a full shoulder reconstruction

SAM Groth’s hopes of making the transition from the international tennis circuit to suburban football have been shattered in an innocuous training accident.

The Newcombe medallist will undergo a full reconstruction of his left shoulder on Monday, ruling him out for the season.

Groth, 30, had signed to play for North Heidelberg — alongside Brent Harvey — in the Northern Football League Division 1.

Sam Groth is set for a full shoulder reconstruction

“It was a simple handball drill, just putting a bit of body on, nothing serious and I just got hit under the elbow — nothing serious — and the contract lifted the shoulder completely out,” Groth said.

“It was light contact and shoulder has gone back and been ripped through the top.

“I couldn’t believe it. That’s it, the season is done.”

The former world No 53 retired from tennis after reaching the Australian Open doubles quarter-finals with dual grand slam champion Lleyton Hewitt.

A Davis Cup fixture, Groth kicked 20 goals from 14 games with Eastern Football League side Vermont in 2011 before returning to tennis.

He recently played against the Northern Blues in a trial match, kicking 2.1.

“Then a little training accident has ruled me out for the year,” Groth said.

Top surgeon Greg Hoy will operate on Groth.