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Western Bulldogs dilemma on injured Shaun Higgins
Adelaide Now
Jay Clark | May 23, 2009
WESTERN Bulldogs class act Shaun Higgins could miss up to six games with a recurring groin problem. The emerging 21-year-old star would be helped by a lengthy spell after re-injuring his troublesome adductor muscle against Geelong on Friday night.
But Higgins could also battle on and carry the injury into games.
He made a bright start with six first-term possessions against the Cats, but trailed off as the injury took hold in the last three quarters of the thrilling two-point loss.
It is understood Higgins wants to defy the pain and restriction of the problem and play on, delaying the break he needs until after the season, for the benefit of the team.
But the possibility of that leading to a more severe osteitis pubis problem is likely to ensure the Dogs give Higgins the time off he needs.
Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia insisted Higgins's complaint was "nothing out of the ordinary".
But the superb finisher was forced to seek constant medical treatment throughout his first game back from a two-week spell for the same problem and is known to have pulled up sore.
Sports medicine expert Peter Larkins said the youngster looked to aggravate his adductor injury and was likely to need four to six weeks off.
"He would have been feeling very ordinary and, clearly, he was restricted in the second half," Larkins said.
"But he was being brave about it and doing his best to play on, but it was not doing him any good.
"I know the Bulldogs were disappointed about it and clearly you can tell he is facing more time out."
The news is a major blow to the Bulldogs with defender Lindsay Gilbee also in doubt for Saturday's clash against Sydney with a lower leg problem.
It is feared the backman has a crack in his fibula bone.
Higgins is wanted by new club Gold Coast, but his management is in talks about a new, long-term deal with the Dogs.
Any long-term stint on the sidelines would have huge SuperCoach ramifications.
Higgins is clearly the most picked player in the competition as he sits in almost 180,000 teams.
He has averaged almost 100 SuperCoach points a game this year.
.....Western Bulldogs dilemma on injured Shaun Higgins
Adelaide Now
Jay Clark | May 23, 2009
WESTERN Bulldogs class act Shaun Higgins could miss up to six games with a recurring groin problem. The emerging 21-year-old star would be helped by a lengthy spell after re-injuring his troublesome adductor muscle against Geelong on Friday night.
But Higgins could also battle on and carry the injury into games.
He made a bright start with six first-term possessions against the Cats, but trailed off as the injury took hold in the last three quarters of the thrilling two-point loss.
It is understood Higgins wants to defy the pain and restriction of the problem and play on, delaying the break he needs until after the season, for the benefit of the team.
But the possibility of that leading to a more severe osteitis pubis problem is likely to ensure the Dogs give Higgins the time off he needs.
Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia insisted Higgins's complaint was "nothing out of the ordinary".
But the superb finisher was forced to seek constant medical treatment throughout his first game back from a two-week spell for the same problem and is known to have pulled up sore.
Sports medicine expert Peter Larkins said the youngster looked to aggravate his adductor injury and was likely to need four to six weeks off.
"He would have been feeling very ordinary and, clearly, he was restricted in the second half," Larkins said.
"But he was being brave about it and doing his best to play on, but it was not doing him any good.
"I know the Bulldogs were disappointed about it and clearly you can tell he is facing more time out."
The news is a major blow to the Bulldogs with defender Lindsay Gilbee also in doubt for Saturday's clash against Sydney with a lower leg problem.
It is feared the backman has a crack in his fibula bone.
Higgins is wanted by new club Gold Coast, but his management is in talks about a new, long-term deal with the Dogs.
Any long-term stint on the sidelines would have huge SuperCoach ramifications.
Higgins is clearly the most picked player in the competition as he sits in almost 180,000 teams.
He has averaged almost 100 SuperCoach points a game this year.
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