Embley blow for Eagles
02/03/2012 08:21:25 AM
West Coast star Andrew Embley could miss the Eagles' entire NAB Cup campaign after dislocating his shoulder at training on Friday.
Embley injured the joint during match simulation at Patersons Stadium and could be out of action for as many as six weeks.
The injury will be closely assessed over the next few days and the best case scenario would see the 2006 Norm Smith Medalist alright within three weeks.
The club doesn't expect the setback to prevent Embley from lining up in the Eagles' season opener against the Western Bulldogs on April 1 at Etihad Stadium.
The 30-year-old enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career last year and played a key role in West Coast's dramatic turnaround from wooden spooners to preliminary finalists in the space of 12 months.
Embley averaged 21.6 touches a game, booted 17 goals and collected a career-high 11 Brownlow Medal votes in 2011.