Jordan Roughead is locked in a race against time to be fit for the Western Bulldogs’ first AFL grand final since 1961.
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The Ballarat boy was struck in the face by a clearing kick during Saturday’s preliminary final triumph over GWS Giants, which booked the club’s spot in the decider against the Sydney Swans.
Roughead left the field in the second quarter and didn’t return due to eye and concussion issues.
Opthalmologist Dr Andrew Atkins examined Roughead on Sunday morning and said it was unknown if the 25-year-old would recover in time for the grand final, with a decision expected to be made on Friday.
Roughead has been diagnosed with a hyphema of the right eye, which involves bleeding in the front chamber of the eye, between the cornea and the iris.
"It's a week away, so I don't know at this stage. There won't be any permanent damage to the eye, which is obviously good news, but it's too early to know if he'll be right for next week. We'll just have to wait," Dr Atkins said.
Roughead was a student at Damascus College and played his junior football with Lake Wendouree before joining the North Ballarat Rebels.
From there, he was recruited to the Bulldogs – the club he followed as a supporter – with pick 31 in the 2008 AFL Draft.
After making his senior debut in 2010, Roughead has now played 112 games in the red, white and blue.
Roughead’s issue is the latest in a horror year of injuries for the club, which will be without a host of stars for next Saturday’s grand final, including captain Bob Murphy, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in round three.
Bulldogs player Jack Macrae spoke to media on Sunday and said it was a “wait-and-see game” in regards to Roughead’s fitness.
"I think they didn't want to risk (further damage) - when it's your eyes that's your life - you don't want to be going blind over footy,” he said.
Macrae also touched on the belief in the group that has overcome so many obstacles in season 2016.
"We're a young group but we're as determined as any I've ever seen. The belief in the players and the spirit that we all get off each other throughout the year (has been great),” he said.
"It's been a tough year throughout different times, but to get through the other side, I think has really made us grow into a complete team."
with The Age and AAP
