Hunter dislocated his knee in the Magpies’ round 16 win over Charles Sturt University (CSU) and was ruled out for the remainder of the season this week.

The 29-year-old has been arguably the recruit of the Farrer League season after joining the Magpies this year from Riverina League club Narrandera, alongside good mate Tim Sullivan.

Hunter’s injury is a huge blow to TRYC ahead of Sunday’s elimination final against East Wagga-Kooringal, where he would have gone up against reigning Gerald Clear Medallist, Nick Hull.

Hunter is shattered to miss out on finals.

“It’s a shame, but that’s football, I guess,” Hunter said.

“I’ve had a good time out there (at TRYC), it had been a good season and I was really looking forward to playing finals because we were shaping up not too bad.”

Hunter said the only chance he is to return is if the Magpies win their way through to a grand final appearance.

“I could play the grand final if we got there, maybe, but it’s not feeling right,” he said.

“I was hoping it might come good but there is a heap of bone bruising as well. There’s no point coming back if I come back too early and then probably need an operation.”

TRYC coach Tom Yates said Hunter is a huge loss.

“It’s definitely a massive blow,” Yates said.

“Especially playing East Wagga this weekend, who have big Hully, who is a gun, it’s a massive loss.”

Yates said the options to fill in for Hunter in the ruck are Josh Meiselbach, who has only played two senior games this year, or Ferg Inglis and Sam Durnan.

The Magpies won’t know Meiselbach’s availability until later in the week.

Hunter’s impact in his first season in the Farrer League had been so significant he finished second to North Wagga’s Lachie Highfield in the Player of the Year award.

Hunter is unsure of his plans for next season.