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Injuries to key duo not dousing the finals flame at the Buffaloes

The Darwin Buffaloes are looking forward rather than back despite serious injuries to key players on the eve of the finals

Darwin Buffalo officials are hoping Michael Hagan will play in the finals. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT
Darwin Buffalo officials are hoping Michael Hagan will play in the finals. Picture: Celina Whan/AFLNT

THE Darwin Buffaloes will be without playmakers Michael Coombes and Michael Hagan in their quest to snap a 15-year premiership drought.

The Premier League’s elimination finalists saw their flag odds shorten after a gutsy win over Waratah last week when Coombes (knee) and Hagan (ankle) were forced from the ground.

But their joy was soured when the extent of both injuries were revealed 48 hours after the final siren.

Coombes had surgery on Monday afternoon to repair the patella ligament in his left knee, effectively ending his 20-21 season.

Hagan has no structural damage to his ankle, but strained ligaments and associated swelling are likely to keep him out of the next two matches, including the knockout final.

Buffaloes coach Cameron Stokes is maintaining a positive approach despite serious injuries to his two front men.

“Coombesy had worked very hard in the three weeks he was out suspended to get back and to suffer a knee injury in the way he did was very unlucky,’’ Stokes said.

“But that’s football and we’ve got to move forward and look to a number of other players to fill the gaps.

“Hagan we’re not sure about, it depends on his recovery time and whether he thinks he can get back in a short time.

“Patrick Boles is one replacement option and Jalen Clarke, Lachlan McKenzie and Jackson Clark all showed a lot in Division 1 last week to suggest they are ready to go.

“So while injuries are unfortunate for some blokes, they provide opportunities for others which is a big part of footy.’’

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/injuries-to-key-duo-not-dousing-the-finals-flame-at-the-buffaloes/news-story/158bef2a4ac51560982210db2ac71aee