Border Mail |
JASON Gram has revealed his frustration after an injury-plagued first season with North Albury came to an abrupt end this week.
Scans have revealed Gram has torn the inferior tibiofibular joint in his right ankle, as well as suffering a serious sprain.
He won’t play again this year.
The former St Kilda midfielder trapped himself while laying a tackle on Sean O’Keeffe during Saturday’s 19-point loss to Wangaratta Rovers.
Gram had scans in Melbourne on Monday night, which revealed the news, and he now faces the likely prospect of surgery.
“It’s a pretty frustrating way to end a season that just feels like it’s been hampered by injuries,” Gram said.
The North Albury ace, who has already missed three games and had three others ruined by a hamstring complaint, will sit out the Hoppers’ remaining three matches of the season and then finals.
But in positive news for the club, Gram expects to re-sign at Bunton Park before the season is out.
He recently moved to Albury.
“I’m hoping to soon,” Gram said.
“I know where the club is heading and it’s very exciting.
“We’ve got some good plans in mind.
“I’ll still be up to help out for the rest of the year.”
Gram’s latest injury setback will put him out of action for about two months.
He will have missed a third of the season, by the time the season is over.
North Albury, which has lost four of its past five matches, travels to Corowa-Rutherglen on Saturday.
The Hoppers can seal their spot in the finals with a win, provided Myrtleford loses to Wodonga.
North Albury has a significant percentage advantage over the Saints and should be safe regardless.
The Hoppers could regain young tall Josh Lloyd as soon as this week.
He booted two goals in the reserves on Saturday.
Lloyd, who suffered a serious knee injury over the pre-season, hasn’t played senior football this year.
