Bell Park coach James Saker says a window of opportunity for Jacob Nihill to undergo shoulder surgery will bring a premature end to the 2024 season of the Bendigo recruit.
Saker says Nihill has been battling a shoulder problem that’s required surgical intervention since the pre-season.
“He was always going to need surgery,” Saker said.
“And the way it fell, the window came open for the surgery, and if he didn’t do it now, it was going to be up in the air as to when he would get back in.
“So, we just bit the bullet.
“He’s done really well for us, but he’ll get the surgery done and spend six months in the gym and come back a better product for us.
A member of the Bendigo-based Next Gen Academy of AFL club Richmond who spent three years in the Talent League system with the Pioneers, Nihill joined Bell Park from Sandhurst.
He played seven games and scored five goals before last week’s decision to end his season prematurely.
“He was a bright spark for us up forward, giving a contest,” Saker said.
“We will miss that, but we’ve got to do what’s right by him, and he’s got to do the right thing for his body as well as a young bloke.
“But, he’s had a taste of it, and now he can get to work on being a bit stronger and fitter and being a force for us next year.”
In good news for Bell Park, Darcy Brown and Nick Petering made successful senior returns following injuries suffered in rounds 1 and 2, respectively, in Saturday’s 56-point win over St Albans.
“Nick was zipping around the forward line; he was a bit rusty by his own admission,” Saker said.
“But it was great to have him back out there; he’s worked really hard.
“And Darcy, the same. It’s the best part of 10 or 11 weeks since they’ve been out there in the senior team.
“While it’s really disappointing (they’ve been sidelined), hopefully, it can be a little positive for us that we’ve got two guys to come in that are fresh and firing and on top of the ground.”
Bell Park is close to regaining ruck Ollie Bridgewater, who has been sidelined with a knee issue since Round 9.
“He’s training ramped up, and if he gets through a couple of sessions and is right to go this week, then we’ll play him,” Saker said.
“We might manage his ruck duties a little bit, but he’s very keen to get back out there.
“And we’re very keen to get him back involved, provided he can tick the boxes at training this week.”
Jack McMahon, Mitch Mahady and Zac Mirkovic are also sidelined.
McMahon and Mahady are a chance to return either side of the split round, with Bell Park having the first weekend of August off.
Mirkovic (foot) may need more time.
Bell Park, which sits percentage out of third spot, can return to the top five with a win over North Shore on Saturday.
The Dragons have confirmed the re-signing of playing assistant coach Ben Lloyd, captain Lachie Patten, and vice-captain Steve Bensted.
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