Gun St Mary’s midfielder Harry Benson is set to undergo a scan this (Monday) afternoon to determine the seriousness of an elbow injury suffered during Saturday’s win over Colac at Central Reserve.
The dual-Mathison medallist was forced from the ground during the second quarter, with an x-ray ruling out a break.
However, Saints co-coach Glenn Keast says today’s scan will reveal if Benson has suffered any ligament damage.
“He got his hand trapped, and a guy fell across his elbow and hyperextended his elbow,” Keast said.
“He had some x-rays on Saturday and has been cleared of any bone damage.
“But, he’s got to have a further scan today around the ligaments.”
At worst, Benson’s season could be over. At best, he could return for the final round meeting with Bell Park on August 31.
“I’ve hurt elbows before, and you can tape them and get by; it’s just a pain tolerance thing,” Keast said.
“And, I’ve had the experience where it’s not been very good and you need surgery.
“It could go one way or another. Hopefully, it’s something he can play with, and Harry’s one player who can do that.”
Benson joins captain Jack Blood (adductor), star onballer Jarryd Garner (hand), and forward Sam Dobson (collarbone) as gun Saints on the sidelines approaching September.
“We’ve just to see what the results say and play what’s in front of us,” Keast said.
“It’s, unfortunately, been a constant story for the last few weeks.
“It’s not ideal. But, we’ve had a mantra all year around that it will take a squad that’s broader than the team that goes out on the ground to get the job done.
“So, we’re certainly calling on the support of the entire squad to keep performing.
“It’s been really positive that our young blokes have stepped up.”
Charlie Vallelonga and Elliot MacDonald were among those who came under notice, with the versatile Sam Bourke’s five goals helping to fill the void left by Dobson.
“We certainly think he can play both ends of the ground,” Keast said.
“Despite ‘Dobbo” being out, we still wanted to maintain playing three talls, so he went forward and had a great game.
Garner remains on track for a return against the Dragons, and Blood is tracking for a return in the first week of the finals if St Mary’s can’t snatch top spot off St Joseph’s,
The best hope for Dobson, who will return to home club Koroit as co-coach in 2025, is likely to be semi-final weekend.
X: @krockfootball
