The injury curse has struck Stawell’s senior football team once again.
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The side was decimated with injuries last season and with just one game played in 2018 has already been dealt some major blows.
In a cruel twist of fate, it has been confirmed key position player Jackson Taurau ruptured a lateral ligament in his left ankle last weekend.
Taurau was helping his former club Ararat Eagles while Stawell endured a six-week break between matches when he sustained the injury.
The former TAC Cup footballer has been ruled out for a period of six to 10 weeks but could miss more if he requires surgery.
“If it hasn’t started to heal itself after about eight weeks we will assess if I need surgery,” Taurau said.
2018 would have been Taurau’s first full season in Stawell’s senior team after spending the last two seasons with TAC Cup side Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
“It is very frustrating,” Taurau said.
“I will still be getting around the boys and doing whatever I can to help.”
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Off-season recruit Cody Driscoll is also on Stawell’s injury list after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament iin a practice match in March.
The former Navarre leading goalkicker has been in a brace since the injury and will find out on Friday if he needs surgery.
“Touch wood he doesn’t have to go under the knife but we will just have to wait and see,” Stawell coach Jamie Solyom said.
Up and coming footballer Lucky Ika has also been ruled out of this weekend’s game against Nhill with a hamstring injury.
Warriors coach Jamie Solyom said his side has shown great resilience despite injuries striking the club down once more.
“The boys have rallied together and are still focused on winning games of football,” he said.
“It obviously hurts losing some quality young footballers.”
In some positive news for the club, co-coach and co-captain Damian Joiner confirmed he is fit to play this weekend, overcoming an ankle injury.
“I will be good to go,” Joiner said.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back out there after a few weeks off.”
The Warriors take on Nhill at Central Park in round three of the Wimmera Football League on Saturday.