St Kilda's Jade Gresham is doubt for the remainder of 2020 after scans revealed stress fractures in his back, according to AFL Media’s Mitch Cleary.
The 22-year-old's absence would be a significant blow for a Saints side who are looking to play finals for the first time since 2011.
Gresham has played all 11 games this season, averaging 17 touches and is currently in the top 15 players for clearances in the competition, impressing since moving into the midfield in 2019.
Gresham injured his PCL at the start of the season but due to the COVID-19 shutdown, he didn’t miss a game.
St Kilda later confirmed the story in a club statement.
“Jade reported soreness in his back following Monday night’s game against Geelong, with scans unfortunately showing signs of a stress fracture,” St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.
“It is disappointing for the club and for Jade personally, but the best course of action is an extended period of rest.
“He has been developing well this season as a more permanent midfielder and now that responsibility will fall to others to fill the void.
“Thankfully, the injury has been discovered relatively early but until a period of rest is completed and scans are re-done in six or so weeks, then we will need to treat it conservatively.
“We will work with Jade in the coming days to determine whether he remains with the team or returns home to Melbourne to complete his recovery."
The fifth-placed St Kilda take on Essendon at the Gabba on Sunday.
One that may have slipped under the radar... Jade Gresham in doubt for the rest of 2020 with scans revealing signs of a stress fracture in his lower back. More soon on @AFLcomau
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) August 12, 2020