Port Adelaide star Paddy Ryder is in serious doubt for round one after suffering a depressed fractured cheekbone in the Power's JLT Community Series win over North Melbourne.
AFL.com.au reports Ryder will need surgery and could miss Port Adelaide's season opener against the Demons on March 23.
Paddy Ryder has a depressed fracture of his cheekbone, will need a procedure, in doubt for round one. Jarrod Lienert has medial damage to his knee - 2-4 weeks @AFLcomau #JLTSeries
— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) March 9, 2019
The 30-year-old came off second best in some friendly fire with Robbie Gray, immediately pulled from the field after a head-on collision with his teammate.
RT AFL "Ouch!
— Ash Footy TV (@AshFootyTV) March 9, 2019
Paddy Ryder was assisted off after a head clash with teammate Robbie Gray.#JLTSeries pic.twitter.com/NyD8l0kzk9"
The pair had eyes for the ball when they butted heads as Ryder dropped to the floor.
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It's the Power weapon's second injury concern from the pre-season tournament, rolling his ankle against Adelaide last week before being cleared to return.
Defender Jarrod Lienert also suffered medial damage to his knee and is facing a two to four week lay-off.
Port Adelaide notched their first win of the JLT Community Series with a 21-point triumph over the Kangaroos.
