Thomson premiership defender Steve Salajan is headed for retirement after scans on a knee injury suffered in last week’s win over Winchelsea confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Tigers coach Paul Lynch, who also coached Salajan at Colac and Birregurra, says he has spoken with the 37-year-old, who has indicated he will hang up the boots.
“I just had a chat with him this morning, and unfortunately, that’ll be it for him,” Lynch said. “(It has) been a great career.
“He’s been super loyal to me as a player; I think he’s followed me to three clubs, so I’m grateful to him for
“His football speaks for itself. He’s been excellent at every club he’s been to.”
It’s not Salajan’s first ACL tear, having suffered a rupture during his time at Colac on his other knee.
Lynch says it’s disappointing he won’t go out on his terms following a career that included two premierships at Birregurra, Colac and District League representation, and a stint at South Barwon, which yielded a reserves flag.
At Thomson, he played 52 games, featuring in the best 32 times.
“He’s gone out playing really good footy,” Lynch said. “He’d be winning our best and fairest by a mile – or him and Billie (Smedts) would be anyway.
“To still be able to play at that level at 37, it’s a credit to him.
“He doesn’t go out on his terms, but he goes out still playing great footy.
“Not many players can say that.”
Lynch says Salajan will remain involved in an off-field capacity.
“He pretty much runs my defence anyway and sets the match-ups and that,” Lynch said.
“So he’ll definitely stay involved, and we won’t be totally lost to footy.”
The loss of Salajan is among at least six changes Thomson will make for the Polly Rankin Shield clash with arch-rivals East Geelong.
Jordy Camm suffered an ankle injury against the Blues, but has been cleared of a break.
Lucas Boyd (calf) and Zach Plant (groin) will be sidelined after mishaps at training, while Regan Kerslake and Patty Knott are unavailable.
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