St Kilda forward Jack Hayes is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury at training this week.
The setback adds to a dramatic 12 months for the South Australian, who gained a chance in the AFL with St Kilda after impressing as a train and trial player through the pre-season before tearing his ACL in Round 6 against GWS.
The knee injury would end Hayes' debut season in the top flight following an impressive five-game stint to start the year, which included three goals in his maiden AFL match against Collingwood.
The 26-year-old is now expected to miss a further 8-10 weeks after suffering a foot injury at training, requiring surgery after scans discovered a crack in a metatarsal in Hayes' left foot.
โJack has been dealt a really rough hand since debuting last season,โ St Kilda Performance, Medical and Operations Manager David Misson said in a club statement.
โJack had just returned to fullย training after completing his ACL rehabilitation, so for this to happen is very disappointing.
โThe recovery period for an injury like this is typically between 8 to 10 weeks.
โHis resilience has been unfairly tested for an athlete so early in his career, but we know that he will attack his rehabย in the same professional manner we have become accustomed to.โ
Hayes had only returned to full training in recent weeks, being among a handful of key Saints players returning from injury as they prepare for a new season under returning coach Ross Lyon.
The injury isn't the first major setback for the Saints this pre-season, with fellow tall forward Max King sidelined for at least the opening month of the season after requiring shoulder surgery.
With St Kilda's Round 1 bout against Fremantle just two months away, Lyon could be tasked with naming a side without both Hayes and King.
The Saints coach will look toward Tim Membrey to lead the charge, while the likes of Cooper Sharman or untried tall Matt Allison could be called on to step into the senior team.
The remainder of St Kilda's list is beginning to look healthier, however draftee Olli Hotton will miss the first half of his debut campaign after sustaining a stress fracture in his back in the pre-season.
Defender Nick Coffield, who is also returning from an ACL injury sustained last year, suffered a hamstring injury that has delayed his return, however is expected to be available for Round 1.
Rookie Isaac Keeler (knee) and ruckman Tom Campbell (Achilles) are also under injury clouds.
St Kilda will host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 19 to begin their 2023 season.
