South Bendigo’s worst fears were confirmed on Monday with star forward Kaiden Antonowicz to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.
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Scans revealed Antonowicz fractured his ankle in two places in Saturday’s two-point win over Kyneton at Harry Trott Oval.
“The win has come at a cost,’’ South Bendigo coach Brady Childs said.
“Unfortunately, injuries like this are a part of footy. Kaiden will probably need surgery in the next couple of days and have a pin inserted.
“He’ll probably be out eight to 10 weeks. Kaiden is very disappointed, but he’s already talking about how he can help around the club and help develop the young guys.”
Antonowicz has made a big impression in his first season in the BFNL.
The former Shepparton Swans forward kicked 28 goals in the first four games and had added one goal to that tally in the first quarter round five clash with Kyneton before suffering the injury.
“The most pleasing thing about the win at the weekend was that we won the game without Kaiden having an impact,’’ Childs said.
“We’ll take some confidence out of that. We’ll have to re-structure our forward line, just like we did on Saturday.
“We have some options there and we have more depth this year compared to last year.
“Thing like this happen and Kaiden is only one player. The good thing is that we’ll have him back for late in the season.”
Antonowicz’s injury comes as the top-of-the-table Bloods prepare to face reigning premier Sandhurst in their annual Graeme Wright Memorial Cup clash at the QEO.
The Dragons have major injury concerns of their own, with skipper Blair Holmes, Mitch Dole, Nick Stagg and Lachlan Ross all three to five weeks away from resuming.
Ruckman Tim Martin is a chance to return from injury to take on the Bloods.