Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch will miss the Demons’ Round 5 clash with Hawthorn after sustaining a fractured hand at training on Thursday.
Fritsch will undergo surgery on Thursday evening and is expected to spend one to two weeks on the sidelines.
Melbourne General Manager AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said while it was disappointing for Fritsch and the club, they expected the forward to bounce back quickly.
“Bayley has been in great form in the first few rounds of the season so it’s obviously a disappointing outcome, but the good news is that he shouldn’t be sidelined for too long,” Richardson told Melbourne Media.
“He’ll have a plate inserted to reinforce the fracture and all going to plan he should be available to play in the next couple of weeks.
“We are lucky to have several players putting their hands up for senior selection and this provides an opportunity for one of these guys to step in and play their role.”
Fritsch has been one of Melbourne’s top performers for the first four rounds of the season, averaging two goals and 10 disposals a game.
