MELBOURNEfc defender Jared Rivers has undergone season ending groin surgery.

Rivers, who has endured a frustrating season, went under the knife after failing to overcome a series of injuries that dogged the key defender for the majority of the year.  

Melbourne Football Operation Manager, Chris Fagan said, “Jared has battled with hip and back problems for most of the season.  He made one last attempt to get his body right in the hope to play in round fifteen and onwards.

“As soon as he began his skills work, it was evident that he would not play again this season.  It is expected that Jared will recover in time to start the 2008 preseason.”