Rowan Marshall will miss the start of the 2021 H&A season, he has a stress injury in his foot.
Marshall will not participate in training for the next month, he will then gradually build as his rehabilitation progresses.
“To have this happen right before the season is obviously disappointing given Rowan is such an important player in our squad” Saints COO Simon Lethlean via Saints media today.
St Kilda: Rowan Marshall Out for the start of the season via @cleary_mitch #AFL | #AFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/eCXBYchOee
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“Fortunately, we identified the injury very early, Rowan is not in any pain and there’s no fracture to the bone which is a good result.”
There is no current time frame for a return to play for Marshall, the Saints are likely to provide regular updates during his recovery period.
“These types of injuries are ones that you just need to monitor and take your time with, so we’ll work closely with Rowan to make sure it continues improve so that he can return as soon as possible early in the season.” Lethlean added.
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AFL FANTASY TAKE
Marshall averaged 76.9pts from 19 games in 2020, he scored a season high 99pts against Carlton in Round 5.
The injury to Marshall is unfortunate timing for the Saints, he was set to shoulder plenty of the ruck duties with Paddy Ryder.
Ryder at the age of 33 when the season starts will take on a larger role, Saints snr coach Brett Ratten likes the dual ruck set-up but may be forced into a solo ruck role in some or all games without Marshall.
Shaun McKernan was recruited in the off-season, he is a back-up option that may be required but also is currently dealing with a leg injury.
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Marshall was set to be a popular target in AFL Fantasy classic to start the season, he’s now a pass. He slides significantly in 10 team standard draft leagues,
*16 Min Qtrs in 2020
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Photo Credit: St Kilda
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Injury Update: Braydon Preuss
Injury Update: Mitch Duncan
