Livewire forward set to miss State League Eastern Shore derby after intraclub mishap

Clarence’s star recruit has undergone successful surgery to fix a broken nose but is unlikely to make his return to the State League in the season opener

Josh Green questions the umpire after being tackled by Andrew Gaff of the Eagles during the round 14 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium on June 21, 2018 in Perth, Australia. Picture: PAUL KANE/GETTY IMAGES

PRIZED Clarence recruit Josh Green is unlikely to be ready for the club’s State League season opener on Saturday after undergoing surgery on a broken nose last week.

The former Brisbane and Essendon small forward — who kicked 132 goals in 105 AFL matches and was twice the Lions leading goalkicker (2014-15) — was injured during an intraclub practice match a fortnight ago.

Roos coach Jeromey Webberley has not completely ruled out the 27-year-old, who returned to his junior club after spending last season with University Blues in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Josh Green is tackled in last year’s VAFA v Vic Country match at Ikon Park, Carlton, Picture: YURI KOUZMIN

However with Green only cleared to resume running from tomorrow, he is facing a tough ask to take the field against Lauderdale at SkyBus Oval.

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“He had an operation last Wednesday and I don’t think he can run for seven days … so he can start running tomorrow,” Webberley said.

“He would be unlikely to play this week, he is still a possibility but he is unlikely.

“He got tackled and copped a knee to the face, smashed his nose open.

“It was the third quarter, I think he had five or six goals on the board as well so it is a bit of a loss for us.

“There was talk about an eye socket and stuff but there is no damage there at all, just his nose.”

Josh Green made a name for himself in the AFL as an elusive forward. Picture: MICHAEL KLEIN

It has been a tumultuous lead in to the 2020 campaign for Clarence, who have not only had Green’s injury to deal with but also the loss of star wingman Jake Cox and the relocation to Richmond Oval with their home ground Blundstone Arena out of action.

An opening round assignment against the beaten grand finalists from the past three years is also set to give the side an immediate indication of where it sits.

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“Lauderdale is a hostile ground and they play a really contested brand of footy, it is a really nice challenge first up.

“That’s good, we get straight back into it against one of the best teams in the competition.

“I think for at least the first month we are going to see some upsets … we are hoping to come down here, play our brand of footy and come away with a win.”

The two sides will be playing for the Stay ChatTY Cup, helping raise funds and awareness for mental health.