BALLARAT export Brad Crouch has again been struck with a long-term injury at the start of the AFL season.
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The promising Adelaide midfielder is facing a two-month stint on the sidelines after breaking his foot against Port Adelaide in a NAB Challenge match on Saturday.
The injury follows a broken fibula bone last year on the same leg, although the two injuries are not related.
Speaking to The Courier on Tuesday after being released from hospital, Crouch said it was frustrating to again be off the field for an extended period.
He underwent surgery on Monday, having a screw placed in his foot.
“It’s not anything I can control, but it’s just frustrating again,” Crouch said.
“I’d had a full pre-season and was feeling great but then I just felt it go when I went to change direction.”
The injury occurred 15 minutes into the first quarter.
“It’s frustrating but at least it’s one of those injuries that once you are over it, it doesn’t really hang around,” he said.
Crouch’s injury headlines a long list of Ballarat exports battling for fitness on the eve of the home and away season.
Fremantle’s Nick Suban suffered a grade one hamstring injury against West Coast at the weekend and is expected to miss three to four weeks, while fellow Western Australian Mitch Brown is also facing hamstring issues but is still a chance of playing in round one.
Richmond’s Matt Dea and Essendon’s Kurt Aylett have also both suffered hamstring strains and will miss up to one month.