Freo's Hayden to miss up to two months - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Freo's Hayden to miss up to two months

By Justin Chadwick 26/05/2009 05:19:34 PM Comments (0)

Just a day after the club's swine flu scare, Fremantle were dealt another blow when it was confirmed defender Roger Hayden had fractured his leg and could be out of action for up to two months.

Hayden initially thought he had injured his calf during last week's loss to North Melbourne.

However, subsequent scans revealed the 28-year-old had fractured the fibula in his right leg.

The fleet-footed backman had a plate inserted into his leg on Tuesday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

Now in his seventh season, Hayden has managed just 100 games in a career plagued by injuries.

A broken leg suffered at the end of 2004 ruled him out for the entire 2005 season, while his 2008 campaign was disrupted several times as he battled a hamstring complaint and a punctured lung.

Teammate Dean Solomon admitted the loss of Hayden would leave a gaping hole in a side already well short on experience.

"To get the results he has is quite devastating," Solomon said.

"Since coming across (from Essendon) I've really realised how important Roger is.

"Unfortunately he doesn't get the exposure over east as what he does here.

"He's probably in the top five of the most important players at this club for us just in the way he plays and sets up our structures of play.

"He's going to be sorely missed."

Hayden's absence could pave the way for elevated rookie Greg Broughton to return to the side.

Meanwhile, Solomon said none of the playing group had shown any signs of swine flu after it was revealed the team had boarded the same flight from Melbourne to Perth as a man who had tested positive to A/H1N1.

A club administrative officer has been told to stay home on anti-viral drugs after sitting in close proximity to the infected person.

"It's just one of those things, wrong place, wrong time," Solomon said.

"All of our guys seem pretty fine, we're all good up here.

"Our doctors spoke to us and just said 'look, if anyone shows any signs of flu symptoms just give us a buzz and come in'.

"I'm pretty sure no one's called up which is good for us.

"And everyone was at training today so I think we are in the clear.

"I guess it hits home a little bit, you think it can get to you no matter where you are in the world.

"But I don't think any of the guys have been scared from it."

Solomon, who played eight seasons with Essendon before switching to Fremantle at the start of 2007, will notch his 200th game in Saturday night's clash with Richmond.

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