AFL injury news: Charlie Comben undergoes surgery after horrific broken ankle as draftee George Wardlaw suffers setback

It’s gone from bad to worse for North Melbourne after Charlie Comben’s horrific ankle break, with a talented draftee suffering another setback.

North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben has had surgery for a fractured ankle as the Roos sweat on the fitness of No.4 overall pick George Wardlaw after a fresh injury in a VFL practice match on Saturday.

Comben had surgery in the Epworth Hospital and could even be discharged in the next 24 hours after his horrific injury in the first quarter of the loss to Melbourne.

While it could keep him out for the entire season, it is a better scenario than the kind of leg break that saw Richmond’s Nathan Brown break both bones in his leg.

That injury can keep players out for a full 12 months and jeopardise their eventual AFL return given the likely complications.

But the Roos are confident Comben will be able to make a full recovery from his injury even if he is not fit to play again this year.

Gold Coast’s Wil Powell suffered a ghoulish ankle fracture-dislocation in June last year but has returned to excellent football for the Suns this season.

Charlie Comben suffered an horrific leg injury on Saturday night. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Roos played St Kilda in a practice match on Saturday with Wardlaw having scans on a knee injury on Sunday.

The club is hopeful it is relatively minor given he was closing in on an AFL debut after strong VFL performances as he builds his loads after hamstring issues across the summer.

Tarryn Thomas also played in that unofficial scratch match as he builds fitness.

The Roos defender is still well short on match fitness and has not been given official AFL approval to play AFL games given integrity department investigations into his communication with females.

But given it was an informal scratch match the Roos used the contest as an opportunity for him to build fitness.

The Roos will be unable to call upon Callum Coleman-Jones against St Kilda next Sunday after he was also ruled out with concussion after a knock in the heavy defeat against Melbourne.

With Tristan Xerri still 5-7 weeks away after his own bout of ankle surgery the Roos will go into that contest light on for key position forwards.

No replays as it's a nasty injury. We're wishing Charlie Comben all the very best after a serious leg injury 🙏#AFLDeesNorthpic.twitter.com/LaI1A2oCGb

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 29, 2023

Comben had delayed contract talks despite the Roos’ determination to re-sign him this year so he could maximise his value as he played impressive early-season football.

But with his season potentially over there is no reason for him not to not lock in his future at the Roos after playing only two AFL games leading into this season.

Coach Alastair Clarkson foreshadowed blooding more kids in coming weeks given the Roos are being soundly beaten by rivals while still playing a more experienced side.

The Roos will be desperate to get Wardlaw into the team in coming weeks given his huge potential but will have to assess how his knee settles during the week.

Clarkson was adamant the Roos would still take something out of the contest against Melbourne despite being obliterated early given they managed 51 inside 50s.

The Demons’ intercept defenders had a field day as the Roos slumped to a fifth straight defeat that dropped their percentage to a measly 66.5 per cent.

Originally published as AFL injury news: Charlie Comben undergoes surgery after horrific broken ankle as draftee George Wardlaw suffers setback