THREE-time Mathieson medallist Matt McMahon will undergo a shoulder reconstruction and miss at least the first half of the GFNL season.
The Newtown & Chilwell captain confirmed to krockfootball.com.au he would be going under the knife on Wednesday, with renowned surgeon Greg Hoy operating on the 33-year-old.
McMahon, who has battled shoulder problems on both sides of his body throughout his career, was hampered by separate issues, including damage to his AC bone, during the closing stages of the 2022 season.
“As soon as we started to get into match sim in the new year, I started to realise my shoulder hadn’t recovered as well as what we would have liked from the end of last year,” he said.
“I went and saw a specialist, who referred me to a surgeon; I’m pretty lucky to get in so quickly.
“I’ve been hanging in there – just postponing it, more than anything.
“But, it’s got to the point where I can’t be playing football if I didn’t have the surgery.”
After a heartbreaking after-the-siren loss to Leopold in last year’s preliminary final, it’s no surprise the Eagles’ great is disappointed to be sidelined as the club looks to end a 37-year premiership drought.
“The footy club’s a really good place to be around at the moment,” McMahon said. We’re in a really good position, the boys are up-and-about, and it feels like we’re ready to go.
“To cop a blow like this so late into the pre-season is a bit upsetting … a bit disappointing.
“The positive is, we’re onto it now, and it’s not the start of the year, and then (we’re) going to get it looked at because that would probably be season done.
“I’m fortunate to be able to get in (for surgery) straight away and get it done and hopefully be back for the second half of the year.”
McMahon has captained Newtown & Chilwell since 2017 but hasn’t given any thought to relinquishing the role.
“It hasn’t been spoken about; I only just found out (about the surgery) on Friday,” he said.
“But. we’ll have that discussion in the coming weeks, no doubt.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have some pretty good leaders and guys in our leadership group that can stand up.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
