St Kilda key forward Paddy McCartin has successfully undergone surgery to repair his broken collarbone, joining injured midfielder Luke Dunstan at the same hospital on Monday.
McCartin, 20, sustained the injury in a collision with Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin in the first quarter of Saturday’s nine-point win over the Tigers at the MCG.
The 2014 No. 1 pick has endured a frustrating 2016, but is expected to make a full recovery from his latest setback within six weeks, ensuring he will be ready to go for the first day of pre-season in November.
“Paddy had surgery yesterday and it appears to be very successful, so he’s resting up at the moment,” GM of Football Performance Jamie Cox told saints.com.au on Tuesday afternoon.
“He looks set to make a full recovery. He should be back within four to six weeks so it won’t hinder his pre-season at all, which is good news.”
Cox also confirmed that tough inside midfielder Dunstan also completed his shoulder reconstruction on Monday after suffering the injury in the win over Carlton a fortnight ago.
“Luke Dunstan had his shoulder surgery on the same day. He had a latarjet procedure on his shoulder. He’s in the bed next to Paddy and they’re recovering together,” Cox said.
“Luke’s a slightly longer recovery given the procedure. He should be back ready for another strong pre-season.”
Dual Trevor Barker Award winner Sam Fisher will face a fitness test at Thursday’s main training session to determine his availability ahead of Sunday’s final round clash with Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.
“Sam had a one week hamstring. He’ll need to train well this week, but he’ll be a test on Thursday to see whether he’s available for selection against Brisbane,” Cox said.
While ruckman Tom Hickey is unlikely to return against the Lions for the last game of the season after he suffered a calf injury in the loss against Sydney in Round 21.
“Tom Hickey went down a week ago. He’s unlikely to recover from a calf strain, he may have a test on Thursday but we don’t expect Hick to get up against the Lions,” Cox said.
Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season
Injury Update 23/8/16
P. McCartin (broken collarbone) – season
H. Goddard (Achilles) – season
L. Dunstan (shoulder reconstruction) – season
T. Hickey (calf) – test
S. Fisher (hamstring) – test
J. Webster (hamstring) - season
