Gold Coast Suns 'don't know the severity' of star draftee's nasty shoulder injury
Updated . First published at
The Gold Coast Suns are none the wiser on the state of star draftee Leo Lombard's shoulder, after a nasty collision in their match simulation on Thursday night.
The 18-year-old left the ground in the dying minutes against the Lions, after coming off second best when dropping his shoulder and charging mid-air into young Lion Levi Ashcroft.
The No.9 draft pick looks likely to have dislocated the shoulder, but has been sent for scans to reveal the extent of damage.
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Lombard was help off the ground before throwing his mouthguard in anger.
Stand-in Suns coach Shaun Grigg addressed the injury post match.
Lombard dropped his shoulder into Levi Ashcroft. Fox Footy
"We don't know the severity of it just yet … hopefully it's not too serious," Grigg said.
"Fingers crossed it's not too bad and he's back out there soon."
The teen was hoped to be in line for an Opening Round debut, with the Suns taking on Essendon on March 8.
Leo Lombard of the Suns had his first hit out after bieng drafted last year from their academy. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"You just want to get through these games with no injuries and no suspensions but it looks like he's done his shoulder," commentators said on the Fox broadcast.
"He's thrown his mouthguard 25 metres back onto the ground.
"He's in a fair bit of pain. It was a big hit."
Lombard threw his mouthguard in anger after hurting his shoulder. Fox Footy
Despite Lombard's late injury, the Suns were successful over the Lions and Pies in their two-quarter match simulations.
Against Brisbane, the Suns nabbed a 10-point win, kicking seven goals to the reigning premiers' six, with key forward Ked Walter starring.
Gold Coast took a convincing win over the Pies with young ruck hopeful Ned Moyle starring and hitting the scoreboard.
