PIE DEFENDER OUT FOR EIGHT
BY STEPHEN BAKER
COLLINGWOOD’S Simon Prestigiacomo has suffered another heartbreaking injury setback as he prepares for what is largely expected to be his final AFL season.
The dour defender, only seven matches away from his two hundred game milestone, has been diagnosed with a foot injury which will sideline him for up to eight weeks.
In a best-case scenario, Prestigiacomo could return for the round six ANZAC Day blockbuster against the Bombers.
The loss of the of the thirty year old defender comes as a blow to a Magpie defence which also lost James Clement to retirement at the end of 2007.
While players like Shane Wakelin, Harry O’Brien, Nick Maxwell and Tyson Goldsack were outstanding for the ‘Pies in 2007, the experience of Prestigiacomo early on in the season will be missed.
The injury to the Collingwood veteran may pave the way for a senior debut for 192 centimetre key defender prospect John Anthony who was widely tipped to make a big impact before suffering a horrific neck injury in the 2007 pre-season.
Club insiders also suggest that Chris Dawes and Nathan Brown may also be in the mix to replace Prestigiacomo.
The Magpies will continue their preparations for round one when they meet Port Adelaide at MC Labour Park on Saturday afternoon as part of the NAB pre-season challenge series.
FOOTYHEADS: Is this the end for Prestigiacomo?
