Talented Queenscliff forward Izaak Grant is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after suffering a ruptured spleen in Saturday’s big win over Ocean Grove.
In what is a blow to the Coutas’ hopes of snapping a 12-year premiership drought, Grant sustained the injury in a marking contest during the final term.
He had kicked seven goals for he afternoon to take his season tally to 40 in his first year after joining the Coutas from Central Highlands club Hepburn.
“It’s a big loss for us,” coach Heath Jamieson said.
“He’s just a fantastic young man and player, and although it looks unlikely that we will see him again this year, he is part of a great footballing family who I’m sure will be seeking second and third opinions on recovery time.
“But we will slow him down and let him get right.”
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Grant will now play an off-field role with Jamieson’s staff as Queenscliff looks to consolidate its top-five berth and play finals for the first time since 2018.
Jamieson is likely to look to Leopold premiership player Jayden McHenry and rising star Jordy Monahan to pick up some of the slack in Grant’s absence.
“Whilst we are devastated for Izaac, footy stops for no one, and we will get on with the job,” he said.
“One player doesn’t define our team. We spent this week looking at our forward mix without Jonty Rush, and we managed to kick 150 points”
“We know that the forwards are the last part of the chain, and we know if we keep getting the footy in there, someone will be on the end of it”
Queenscliff, which sits third following yesterday’s win, next faces ladder leader Geelong Amateur.
The Coutas handed the Pegs their only loss of the season, by six points, in a shootout at Queenscliff in Round 6.
X: @krockfootball
