FORWARD Austin Wonaeamirri will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

 

The popular Demon has endured a difficult period, following the tragic passing of his father and mentor Maurice Rioli late last year.

 

Wonaeamirri played five matches for Melbourne this season, with his most recent appearance coming in round eight.

 

He was then sidelined in round nine with a knee injury and by round 11 had returned to Tiwi Islands, due to personal reasons.

 

Wonaeamirri has been back at the club since round 18 and played for Casey reserves last weekend.

 

But in his first game back, he suffered an ankle injury, after contact was made with an opponent, who fell across his leg and caused disruption to his fibula joint.

 

He will have surgery on Wednesday to repair torn ligaments above the ankle.

 

Wonaeamirri will be back training in three months.

 

In other news, defender Luke Tapscott faces a fitness test for Melbourne’s clash against Gold Coast.

He missed last round’s loss against Richmond with a hip injury.

 

Tall Michael Newton will also undergo a fitness test, after missing the past 12 matches with a foot injury.

 

As already known, Jack Grimes (foot), Jordan Gysberts (wrist), James Strauss (leg) and Jake Spencer (knee) are all out for the rest of the season.

 

Round 23 injury list
Luke Tapscott (hip) - test
Michael Newton (foot) - test

Jack Grimes (foot) - season

Jordie Gysberts (wrist) - season

Jake Spencer (knee) - season

James Strauss (leg) - season
Austin Wonaeamirri (ankle) - season