Bell Park recruit Euriah Hollard is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after dislocating his knee in last Thursday night’s practice match against reigning Bellarine premier Torquay.
Dragons coach James Saker said the Geelong VFL-listed Hollard, who crossed from Newtown & Chilwell in the off-season, suffered the injury in the second term of the clash at North Torquay.
“It’s just a bit of a freak football incident,” Saker said.
“He was trying to rove a ball from the pack, and his leg got collected and his knee dislocated, which is a unique one.
“Fortunately, it went straight back in.”
Saker said the lively small forward, who kicked 22 goals in 17 games for the Towners in 2023, was still having the knee assessed.
However, he conceded Hollard, who has arrived at the Dragons alongside brother Noah, is unlikely to be seen until the second half of the GFNL season.
“Early indications are he will spend 6-8 weeks rehabbing, and we’ll go from there,” Saker said.
“It’s really disappointing with his VFL aspirations, as well, and we were hoping to have him at times at Bell Park.”
Bell Park has two more practice matches on either side of Easter before hosting Colac in Round 1 at Hi Sushi Oval.
The Dragons are away to Western Region powerhouse Altona on Saturday before taking on North Ballarat at home on 6 April.
Saker was pleased with his team’s performance against Torquay.
“It was our first hitout, so it was good to blow the cobwebs out,” he said.
“We were a bit rusty, which is going to happen, but we had some positive signs.
“We tried to play the way we’ve been training, so that’s all you can really ask for.
“All-in-all, it was a positive tick, and I’m sure they’re going to be a very strong force in the Bellarine.”
