Young North Melbourne defender Josh Goater suffers freak injury

Young Roos defender Josh Goater had no one around him when he suddenly crumpled to the turf in a freak moment against GWS.

North Melbourne youngster Josh Goater suffered a freak injury during the Kangaroos’ encouraging display against GWS on Saturday.

The Giants were short-priced favourites coming off last week’s belting of premiers Collingwood, but found the contest difficult at times before easing to a 39-point victory over North at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney.

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The young North line-up proved extremely competitive, particularly in the first half, going toe-to-toe with one of the flag favourites before GWS pulled away in the third term.

But a shock injury to 20-year-old Goater cast a pall around both teams and the stadium as the defender looks set for a long stint on the sidelines.

With no one anywhere near him, Goater pushed off towards a contest when he suddenly collapsed on the turf.

Josh Goater in action earlier in the game. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Commentators initially suspected he may have broken his leg.

“That looks bad,” Fox Footy commentator Jason Dunstall said. “Let’s hope it’s not broken but that looks really, really bad.”

“We might even take the cameras off that because that looks horrific,” fellow commentator Dwayne Russell said during images of Goater on the ground holding his leg.

“So innocuous isn’t it. He’s just pushing off and there’s no one else around,” Dunstall added.

It was later confirmed by the club Goater had ruptured his Achilles and the commentators quickly realised that was the injury after seeing replays of the incident.

Nathan Buckley quickly discussed the impact the moment could have on Goater’s teammates.

“He’s distressed and distraught,” Buckley said as Goater was helped by trainers. “What would be dawning on him is he’s got a long time out of the game, which is a shame.

There were no other players near him when the freak moment occurred. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

“He’s had a big pre-season and he’s actually played really well today.

“This is the last thing North needed. They’re not going to win the game, but it’s been a really positive output.

“The last thing any team wants is to not have access to your best players, to put your best group together, when you haven’t got a mature list.

“North have been exceptional today. It augurs well for the season ahead.”

Goater, whose father David played for East Perth in the WAFL, featured in one game in 2022 and 10 matches last season in his burgeoning career.

Pick No. 22 in the 2021 National Draft, Goater was in tears as he was helped from the ground, opting for the help of trainers rather than a medicab.

He managed to walk from the ground with the help of trainers. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

“You can’t help but have your thoughts go to his family, his mum and dad would be watching this,” Buckley added.

“The excitement they would have watching their young fella play at the top level, then the sinking feeling in your guts and the pain seeing one of your loved ones go through this.

“It’s inevitable, it’s part of the industry, but it’s not great to watch. Bad luck for the kid.”

Coach Alastair Clarkson expressed his disappointment for the youngster after the game.

“Josh is a young player in his third year of footy,” Clarkson said. “If that’s a ruptured Achilles I dare say his season’s done which is so sad.

“He’s going to have to rehab it well and get it better for next year.”

There was also plenty of sympathy on social media for the young defender.

“Terrible injury, especially for a kid,” was one comment on X.

“Shattering,” wrote another.

“That looked horrible, all the best to him,” added a third.

Goater had 10 disposals, two marks and a tackle prior to his injury as the Giants ultimately won 17.19 (121) to 13.4 (82), with GWS spearhead Jesse Hogan kicking six goals.