St Kilda Saints injury woes worsen with Dougal Howard out for 12 weeks for shoulder injury
St Kilda’s defensive stocks have taken another big hit with Dougal Howard ruled out for 12 weeks with a shoulder injury.
Howard dislocated his right shoulder during training earlier this week and is booked in for surgery next week.
With St Kilda’s season starting away to Adelaide on March 16, Howard is set to miss at least the first six rounds of their campaign.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His absence comes on top of St Kilda losing backman Josh Battle to Hawthorn during the free agency period.
Former Bulldogs defender Zaine Cordy and Arie Schoenmaker are options to cover the loss of Howard during the early rounds.
The extent of Howard’s injury comes just days after St Kilda revealed Mattaes Phillipou had suffered a stress fracture in his right femur, ruling him out for the next 14 weeks.
Star ruckman Rowan Marshall could also miss the start of the season due to a stress fracture in his pelvis.
Midfielder Paddy Dow will miss the early rounds after a blister on his foot became infected in December, resulting in the need to undergo three rounds surgery on his swollen knee.
It’s been reported coach Ross Lyon spent two hours with Dow in hospital on Christmas day as a show of support.
In some better news, Hunter Clark is making strides in his recovery from a groin injury, while Liam Henry (knee surgery) is hoping to return to full training in the coming weeks.
