Midfielder Lin Jong will miss the next six to eight weeks, after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury in Saturday night’s win against North Melbourne.

Jong flew back bravely into a marking contest in the second quarter against the Kangaroos, and courageously played the game out despite the injury.

However, scans have confirmed damage to his syndesmosis ligament.

“Lin was able to get through the game, but the injury will need time to heal and recover,” medical services manager, Chris Bell, said.

“He will be managed conservatively, but unfortunately, he will miss the next six to eight weeks of football.”

It’s another unfortunate setback for Jong, who overcame a serious hamstring injury to return in round two, and Achilles soreness which ruled him out of round four.

The news is more promising for Bailey Smith and Laitham Vandermeer, after both sustained concussions against the Kangaroos.

Smith was injured early in the first quarter, while Vandermeer had impressed with 13 disposals and a goal before his third-quarter injury.

“Both have recovered well over the last few days, and we will work through AFL concussion protocol to determine their availability towards the end of the week,” Bell said.

Unfortunately, Taylor Duryea’s return from a quad injury has encountered a setback.

The experienced defender has experienced some tightness, which will see his return to training delayed. 

Injury list

Bailey Smith (concussion) Test
Laitham Vandermeer (concussion) Test
Sam Lloyd (collarbone) 2-4 weeks
Taylor Duryea (quad) 4-6 weeks
Josh Dunkley (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Aaron Naughton (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Lin Jong (ankle) 6-8 weeks
Riley Garcia (knee) Indefinite