Port Adelaide defender Lachie Jones has a damaged jaw and can miss the following month of the AFL season.
Jones suffered the damage late within the Power’s win towards the Western Bulldogs on Friday evening.
The 21-year-old, who was enjoying his second AFL sport since being dropped after spherical three, completed the sport however x-rays have revealed a fracture in his jaw.
Jones’ kind towards the Dogs – a career-high 19 disposals – was hailed as a breakout perfomance for the third-year halfback.
“It was probably his best game for the club … playing a really important role for us and being confident in that role,” Power assistant coach Josh Carr advised reporters on Monday.
“So it’s disappointing to lose him.”
Jones’ stint on the sidelines begins when the Power, on a club-record 10-game profitable streak, host Geelong on Thursday evening.
Port have ready-made replacements in haflback flankers Ryan Burton and Riley Bonner who have been axed for the sport towards the Bulldogs.
The Power’s fixture towards the Cats will likely be their third in 13 days however Geelong’s first outing in 12 days after having their midseason bye.
The second-placed Power have been tasked with three consecutive six-day breaks getting into the Adelaide Oval encounter towards final yr’s premiers, who’re in ninth spot with six wins and 6 losses.
“We have been through this, all AFL teams went through this through the COVID years where you got short breaks and four-day breaks and five day (breaks),” Carr stated.
“They’re professional. They look after themselves with their recovery.
“They get an extended break after this week so the gamers are mentally ready for it and so they’ll be high quality.”
The Power will have another light training week in preparation for the Cats, their last game before their bye.
“The final couple of weeks have been gentle weeks,” Carr stated.
“So so far as their important coaching session, there’s a few drills in that, it is actually simply getting on the market and transferring and being able to be well-prepared for Thursday evening.
“You don’t get a lot of drills into it but just get the players moving.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
