West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling has been helped from the field after a pre-season injury scare.
Playing in a match simulation on Friday, Darling had kicked several goals through about three quarters of play before he was caught awkwardly in a tackle from Jeremy McGovern.
Darling reportedly “screamed in pain” and was helped from the field by trainers, going straight to the changerooms at Mineral Resources Park.
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The Eagles will be hoping Darling has avoided a syndesmosis injury, which can result in a significant stint on the sidelines.
Darling’s 2022 pre-season was also marred, with the premiership player’s Covid-19 vaccination stance preventing him from training with the club until he eventually got vaccinated.
Losing Darling would be catastrophic for the Eagles, who have lost club legend Josh Kennedy to retirement and were beset by a host of injury blows in a horrid 2022 season.