An ACL injury has brought an abrupt end to the Farrer League season for Temora Kangaroos’ lead goal-scorer Matt Harpley.
“I’m pretty shattered, I’m going to miss the rest of the season and most of next season,” Harpley said.
In recent weeks Temora has risen from seventh to fourth spot on the ladder, becoming serious premiership contenders.
“It is bad timing, we were looking good, hitting some good form,” Harpley said.
He damaged his ACL while taking a mark towards the end of the second quarter in Barellan on Saturday.
“All my body weight was over my knee and it gave way on me, I heard a big loud pop and that was it.”
The full forward was stretchered off and replaced by Damien Ponting who top-scored with four goals.
Temora coach Christin Macri is confident they have the manpower upfront to make gains on their five-week winning streak.
“We have heaps of people who can come in and kick goals, it makes us more dangerous, harder to defend,” Harpley said.
There are few seasoned Aussie Rules players who have won four premierships, and yet, at the age of 21, Harpley has achieved this feat with his home club Temora.
“I’ve been pretty lucky, the last three or four years have been really good.”
The adjustment period will be tough for Harpley who can count the number of senior games he’s missed on one hand.
“It’s always tough when you want to be out there helping,” he said.
Harpley has scored 46 goals for Temora, acquiring the third-best record in the league, behind East Wagga-Kooringal’s Marc Geppert on 92 and The Rock-Yerong Creek’s Andrew Carey on 57.
