In a strange twist of footballing fate, a second ruptured spleen from Saturday’s Queenscliff-Ocean Grove clash has been confirmed.
The Grubbers have posted on social media that youngster Jet Kneebone suffered the same fate as gun Coutas forward Izaak Grant during the clash at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve following a contest in the final quarter.
In a further twist of fate, according to the Facebook reel, Kneebone and Grant are sharing the same room in hospital.
However, Kneebone has avoided surgery and could be released from hospital as soon as tomorrow.
“When he came off sore on the weekend, we didn’t think too much of it,” coach Dave Farrell said.
“We knew maybe some bruised ribs or something like that that we’d need to get checked out during the week.
“But, we were pretty confident he was right because he certainly didn’t complain and even offered to go back on at one stage once we were down a few rotations.
“But, yeah, it turns out that it’s far worse.”
A graduate of the Geelong Falcons two years ago, Kneebone is one of only six Grubbers to play every game this year as Farrell has battled to keep a competitive team on the field.
“We’ve had a fair range of different ailments, but our medical guys have been super,” Farrell said.
“We built that out a little bit this year with some additions of some experienced guys, and they’ve certainly been tested each week.
“But, they’re doing a super job of looking after the players.”
Farrell will tonight find out the seriousness of rib injuries suffered by Gus Bourke and Rory Phillips ahead of a winnable meeting with Modewarre at Ray Menzies Oval.
Harry Cashin will be missing due to work commitments, with Kye Annand likely to be in the frame for Geelong VFL selection.
“His form, and just the fact that he’s had some continuity in his footy for a month now, has been really, really positive,” Farrell said.
“All indications are he’ll be back there and hopefully entrench himself for the back end of the year.
“He’s worked really hard to get the position he is.”
X: @krockfootball
