St Kilda have confirmed Jack Steele could be looking at up to two months on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery to fix his damaged shoulder.
Saints are priced at 20/1 to win the 2022 AFL grand final but will now be missing Steele for a spell after he injured his shoulder at the weekend.
Steele injury setback
Steele sustained the injury during the win over Geelong on Saturday but somehow managed to play on and see the game out.
However after being sent for scans on Sunday, the club have now revealed he has suffered a rupture in the AC joint and will be out of action for six to eight weeks.
Related Aussie Rules news
Young gun ruled out for Tigers
Goodwin says more to come from Demons
Simpson going nowhere say Eagles
Focus now on recovery
"Jack's a really tough guy and playing on last night despite his injury is evidence of that," head of football David Rath said. "It's really disappointing to have Jack out for an extended period of time, but it's important for him to get the treatment he needs to set him up for the second half of the season.
"He's a warrior and would continue to play if required, but we need to do what's right for Jack long-term.
"Jack's a pro on and off the field and will no doubt attack his rehab professionally, which will hopefully see him back playing as soon as possible."
St Kilda sit in sixth spot on the AFL ladder after winning six of their opening nine games. Next up is a trip to take on Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
