ALL-AUSTRALIAN defender James Frawley will be sidelined for the next 10 to 12 weeks after injuring his left pectoral muscle.
Frawley suffered the setback during training at AAMI Park on Thursday, tearing his left pectoralis major tendon.
He will undergo surgery next week to have it repaired.
Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said it was disappointing to have the key tall sidelined.
“This is obviously an unfortunate setback for James,” Bailey said.
“He is clearly an integral part of our team and he will be missed.
“However, we have full confidence that others around James will step up to fill the void in his absence.”
Frawley had his finest AFL season in 2010, being named back-pocket in the All-Australian team.
He then represented Australia against Ireland in the International Rules series.
Frawley also finished second to Brad Green in last year’s Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy.
He has played 61 matches since debuting in 2007.
The nephew of former St Kilda captain Danny was drafted at No.12 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
