Luke Ball - Gone for Season!

Shaggy · April 14, 2012, 03:03:59 PM

Unfortunately for all Collingwood supporters and the man himself, Luke Ball ruptured his ACL last night and is officially out for the season. I believe tomorrow or Monday he will be having surgery and is opting for a traditional knee reconstruction.

Now this raises a few issue. First, he went off early in the game in immense looking pain but came back on 15 minute later. 10 minutes after that, he is off for good. How bad was he at first? How much damage had he done then, and what impact would that prior injury caused to the later doing the job properly?

The second issue is what sort of impact this sub rule is having on the players. Sure, the serious hamstring injuries are down but knee reconstructions is surely up a lot. Everything changed when their poster-boy Nick Riewoldt did his hamstring but what off all the guys doing their ACLs? Collingwood has had 3 do it in a matter of 5 weeks! I truly believe that there is a connection.

What are your thoughts on the issues raised here? Who do you think will take and maintain Ball's spot?

Shaggy · April 16, 2012, 06:48:02 PM

Another thing to think about is that with Ball coming out of contract at the end of the season, and given his age as well, what will become of him?

Ziplock · April 16, 2012, 08:53:13 PM

28, still got plenty of time in him.

rage quit to gws? :P

AFEV · April 16, 2012, 09:00:48 PM

Quote from: Shaggy on April 16, 2012, 06:48:02 PM
Another thing to think about is that with Ball coming out of contract at the end of the season, and given his age as well, what will become of him?

If Lenny Hayes can keep going after an ACL you'd surely expect Ball to continue as well seeing as they play similar roles.

bunyip · April 16, 2012, 09:23:50 PM

I can't believe Collingwoods luck with injuries this season. 3 of your top 22 out for the season. Buckley seems to be getting the blame for everything this season, maybe we should blame him for that to. If Collingwood can overcome this and make the finals, it would be one of the great stories in footy.
really bad luck for Ball, he will be missed.

Shaggy · April 16, 2012, 10:33:53 PM

I never said anything about Buckley. He tried to change a successful game plan to be more down the corridor instead of the wings, and as it stands, it isn't being very successful.

The injuries are the biggest issue that Collingwood faces right now. With Ben Johnson, Nathan Brown and Alan Didak all pushing their case to return to the seniors, it is a big help especially if they all find their best form. But the loss of key players lowers our depth to near nothing, playing players like Sinclair and Yagmour.

bunyip · April 17, 2012, 03:03:39 PM

Quote from: Shaggy on April 16, 2012, 10:33:53 PM
I never said anything about Buckley.

I know you didn't. But the media is snapping at his heels lately. Geelong has lost 2 games as well and no-one has had a go at Scotty yet. I just wish people in the media would back off and let the coaches get on with their job.