Melbourne’s season has been dealt an early blow with captain Max Gawn suffering a suspected knee injury against the Brisbane Lions.
Gawn was forced off the field in the early stages of the blockbuster clash at the Gabba after teammate Jack Viney fell into his left leg.
The 31-year-old was soon substituted out of the match permanently, with Jake Melksham replacing him.
READ MORE: Ponga’s desperate move to save NRL career
READ MORE: Huge ‘honour’ unveiled for Dolphins-Broncos
READ MORE: Axe falls at McLaren after nightmare F1 start
READ MORE: Troubled star blindsided by club after allegations
Gawn was pictured looking shattered with his left knee iced up in the Demons changerooms shortly after he was subbed out of the game.
“That image is worth 1000 words if you are seeing it. And if you’re not, it’s despondency if ever you’ve seen it,” veteran caller Gerard Whateley said on commentary for AFL Nation.
The six-time All-Australian ruckman is no stranger to knee injuries after having his TAC Cup campaign ruined by an ACL tear in his draft year.
Gawn’s 2012 season was also ruined by a meniscus and ACL tear before he required a third knee surgery in 2014.
MORE TO COME