Tasmania Devils set to be without highly touted draft hopeful Colby McKercher for Coates League finals

One of this year’s highest rated AFL draft prospects is unlikely to play in the Coates Talent League again this season. Here is why.

Colby McKercher finished with two goals and 14 disposals against the Calder Cannons at KGV Oval before going down with a foot injury. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmania Devils coach Jeromey Webberley has confirmed star midfielder – and likely top five AFL draft pick – Colby McKercher is unlikely to feature in the Coates Talent League finals with a fracture and bone bruising in his foot.

McKercher went down with what was initially believed to be an ankle injury in the win against the Calder Cannons two weeks ago and missed Saturday’s win over Dandenong that saw the Devils claim the minor premiership.

McKercher is highly regarded around AFL draft circles with many believing he will be picked inside the top five. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

But hopes the Devils bye in the first week of finals would aid the star teenager’s return to the side were quickly shut down by Webberley on Monday who gave an update on the 18 year-old’s situation.

“Colby had some scans and he’s done some damage within his foot,” Webberley said.

“He is deemed as medium term so the reality for Colby is that he is progressing through his rehab but he is more unlikely to play again this season than likely.

“We will see how he recovers over the next few weeks but at this stage we are planning not to have Colby for the finals series, which is extremely disappointing, but hopefully we can progress through (to the pointy end of) the finals series and potentially get him back.

The Devils will watch on this week as the under 18 national competition goes into a wildcard round in its first week of finals before facing off against the lowest ranked country-based team that wins this weekend.

Tasmania Devils Coach Jeromey Webberley has led his side to a preliminary final and a minor premiership in his first two seasons as coach. Picture: Linda Higginson

With every final basically being an elimination from next weekend on, Webberley said he wasn’t concerned around not having a double-chance in September.

“It is what it is from our end,” he said.

“We will play anyone, anywhere, at any time. We know its sudden death and we will just make sure we are ready to go.

“We think we are there abouts but there was three teams that finished on equal points and one game that separated the top five so the competition is extremely even.

“Yes we are minor premiers but the real competition starts now there is a fresh clean slate but we have given ourselves the best opportunity moving forward.”