AFL Draft 2024: West Australian defensive prospect Darcy Petersen to miss two months with grade two MCL strain

West Australian draft prospect Darcy Petersen is set to be sidelined for at least two months after scans revealed a grade two MCL strain in his left knee. Petersen sustained the injury in the opening term of WA’s loss to Vic Metro at Optus Stadium on Sunday after an opposition player fell across his leg in a cruel blow for the 192cm defensive prospect. The Peel Thunder product had impressed WA in this year’s Under-18 National Championships, holding South Australia spearhead and Adelaide father-son prospect Tyler Welsh goalless earlier this month. South Fremantle defender Tom Bell will come into the side to replace Petersen for WA’s final clash of the championships against Vic Country at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday morning. WA coach Marc Webb praised Petersen’s diligence having travelled up from Eaton in the South West all summer to be part of the program. “He had a few injuries then, so he had an interrupted pre-season, but his form has been strong for us in both pre-season games plus that South Australian game,” Webb said. “He’d be a bit disappointed, but he’s been to every session again. He’s such a fantastic character, supporting the guys and there’s no doubt he’ll do his rehab to the letter. “There’s still hope that he will get back for some late rounds at the end of the year.” Western Australia have also named Subiaco forward Wesley Walley, East Perth half-back Andre Gulluni and Fremantle Next Generation Academy prospect Toby Whan with Koby Evans, Blake Kelly and Trent Hiscock rotated out. “Andre has been consistent at East Perth as a small backman. He’s a speedy halfback who can use the ball well,” Webb said. “Toby’s an inside midfielder who can play forward as well. He’s got a good running capacity and a good outside player. “Wes is a forward that’s got speed. He can lead up with the ball, is crafty in congestion and can kick goals.” Webb said he expected a quick Vic Country outfit from what he’d seen in their only game – a win over South Australia. “It was evident that they have quick ball movement, they were able to get the ball to the outside and moving with speed,” Webb said. “They’ve got some good silky outside players and some quality small forwards that are damaging. “If you give them enough time with the ball and let them get on the outside, they certainly were able to do that for two and a bit quarters against South Australia and control the game.”

AFL Draft 2024: West Australian defensive prospect Darcy Petersen to miss two months with grade two MCL strain

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