Lipinski to miss first half of AFL season after shoulder surgery

Two stars have been handed their punishments by the AFL match review panel, while a Collingwood midfielder faces a huge setback.

Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has avoided suspension, but the Magpies will lose key midfielder Pat Lipinski for at least the first half of the season in a major injury blow.

The hard-running 24-year-old hurt his left shoulder during the final quarter of Collingwood’s practice match against Hawthorn in Launceston on Thursday, and underwent surgery on Monday.

Lipinski had the same shoulder reconstructed in October after it had troubled him throughout last season, with the latest setback a frustrating blow after a breakout campaign with the Magpies.

The 190cm on-baller played all 25 games last year, recording a team-high 22 goal assists and averaging 22 disposals as he finished sixth in the Copeland Trophy.

Lipinski hurt his shoulder late in Collingwood’s practice match against Hawthorn in Launceston, where he gathered 22 disposals and kicked two goals. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

It was vindication for Lipinski’s move to Collingwood from the Western Bulldogs, where he had only managed 56 games in five seasons after being drafted with pick 28 in 2016.

Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said the Magpies hoped to see Lipinski return after the mid-season bye.

“We are disappointed for Pat who has undergone his second shoulder surgery in six months,” Wright said.

“The expectation is that he will be out of the selection frame until the after the mid-season bye.

“In the meantime, his welfare remains paramount and we will continue to support Pat as he begins his rehab.”

Josh Carmichael, Trent Bianco or Finlay Macrae is likely to see significantly more time in the senior side during the first half of the season as a result of Lipinski’s absence.

In better news for Collingwood, De Goey escaped his citation for a dangerous tackle on Hawthorn ruck Lloyd Meek with a $3000 fine, which can be reduced to $2000 with an early guilty plea.

Richmond veteran Trent Cotchin also dodged a ban after appearing to drop his forearm into James Harmes during the third quarter of the Tigers’ practice match against Melbourne.

Cotchin was fined $1500, which can fall to $1000 with an early plea.

Originally published as Lipinski to miss first half of AFL season after shoulder surgery