West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling has suffered a fractured left forearm, adding to the club’s injury woes.
Darling suffered the injury in the third quarter of Friday night’s 70-point loss to Gold Coast and was eventually subbed out in the final term.
The club confirmed on Saturday the 30-year-old’s injury blow.
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West Coast Eagles Press Conference | 09:32
“It was really brave of Jack to return to the field after suffering the injury during the third quarter and do what he could to help the team,” football boss Gavin Bell said.
“Unfortunately, x-rays have confirmed Jack has fractured his forearm.
“He will see a specialist this week and the club will determine his rehabilitation program and recovery timeframe from there.”
Darling waved away medical staff after his collision with both Sun Mac Andrew and teammate Oscar Allen early in the third term.
He was clearly carrying his arm out on the field, but managed to stay out on the field – and even ruck against Jarrod Witts multiple times before heading to the bench.
He returned to the field with his left arm heavily strapped but was in obvious pain every time he went near the footy. He managed to play more than 30 minutes of the match with the injury.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson said Darling’s determination was admirable.
“He didn’t want to come off – I know he cops a lot, and sometimes when you are out of form that’s what it is, but he loves the club. And he loves his teammates,” he said post-match.
“He wants to help.”
Jamaine Jones also suffered a broken nose in the same match and was subbed out at half time
His break was from contact in the first term, but played on with the injury before call was made to sub him
“People play with broken noses all the time – it just got a little bit sore” – Simpson said on Jones returning.