GOAL HAUL: New Ballan recruit Mark Williams celebrates one of his six goals on debut for the Blues. Photo: Adam Trafford.
A SERIOUS knee injury to captain Shaun Mullane took the gloss off Waubra's opening round win in the Central Highlands Football League on Saturday.
Roos coach Shane Skontra said Mullane, a triple club best and fairest, appeared to have hurt his medial ligament and was set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The injury occurred midway through the opening term against Ballan, and forced the midfielder to be stretchered from the ground.
"He's done his medial ligament.
''We're not sure of the severity, but I don't think it's great," Skontra told The Courier.
"I was actually looking at the ball.
''I saw him fire off a handball and my understanding is that it (happened) in that tackle then.
"I think he will probably miss at least half of the year."
Reigning premier Waubra was made to dig deep to brush aside the gallant Blues, which were buoyed by a six-goal debut from recruit Mark Williams.
The Hawthorn premiership player, who signed with the Blues on a two-year deal last month, was most dangerous in the second term when he booted four majors.
Waubra shifts its attention to an away clash against Gordon this Saturday, while Ballan plays host to Carngham-Linton.