FOUR-time Henderson medallist Jarrod Edwards faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
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The veteran North Ballarat City onballer is likely to miss six to 10 weeks to recover from surgery late Monday afternoon to repair damage on the AC joint.
City coach Rob Waters said Edwards was hopeful for a return before the season’s end and, should City qualify, the Ballarat Football League finals series.
“All being well – that’s why it was important to try and get him into surgery so soon,” Waters said.
“We didn’t want to push him along and keep playing him because that might do more damage and it’s not fair for the fit blokes in the squad.
“Jarrod’s a professional with his preparation and how he goes about his football each week...I trust him to do the work (for rehabilitation).”
Edwards injured his shoulder in play during the first quarter of City’s 36-point win against East Point at Eastern Oval on Saturday.
Waters said Edwards felt all right to play out the match but pulled up pretty sore after the game and consulted a surgeon on Monday.
This is Edwards’ first season playing with North Ballarat City.
Waters said Edwards was keen to continue his work with the club’s young players, particularly in stepping up his time as midfield coach with City’s under-18s.
While the injury is a disappointing blow for City, Waters said it was a great chance for more young players to seize a chance at senior footy.
The reigning BFL premier used 38 players on its senior list last season, including 10 promoted from under-18 level.
City sits atop the BFL senior ladder undefeated after the opening four rounds this season.
Its next assignment is young, developing team Sebastopol at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.
melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au