Mixed weekend for AFL products as two lost to serious injury and a delighted Arthur Jones makes winning debut

Great Southern duo Jeremy McGovern and Darcy Cameron are facing lengthy stints on the sideline after both were injured during round three of the AFL season. McGovern suffered a serious left hamstring injury, during a brutal western derby as the West Coast Eagles were left without any fit players on the bench on Sunday. The star defender and vice-captain clutched at his hamstring after a contest on the wing with Fremantle’s Jye Amiss. He limped from the field and then went straight down into the rooms and played no further part in the game as the Dockers went on to win by 41 points. McGovern, a North Albany junior, had enjoyed a strong start to the new season and had already collected 10 disposals, five marks and had four score involvements when he went down at Optus Stadium. Eagles coach Adam Simpson labelled McGovern’s hamstring injury as “pretty serious” in the aftermath and his time on the sidelines is expected to be confirmed later this week. Meanwhile, fellow North Albany product Cameron went down with a serious knee injury in the third term of Collingwood’s 14-point win over Richmond at the MCG. Cameron was in wonderful form as the Magpies first-choice ruckman in the opening two rounds and had amassed 24 hit-outs, 10 touches and two clearances before he was substituted out of the game with injury. The Magpies confirmed Cameron is set for an extended sting on the sidelines after scans revealed a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee. “We are all disappointed for Darcy who at this stage will miss around six to eight weeks after he enjoyed such a strong start to this season,” Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright said. “Darcy is an absolute professional who we know will be dedicated in his approach to his rehabilitation and we expect to see him return to the senior side in the second half of the season.” Meanwhile, Mt Barker product Arthur Jones made a winning start to his AFL career, as the Western Bulldogs got over Brisbane by 14 points on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium. Jones made his long-awaited debut and showed promising signs. The 19-year-old missed a chance to kick his first AFL goal in the opening term and finished with five possessions and one tackle. A delighted Jones did a victory lap, soaking up the moment with teammates, fans and family. Jones was part of the group of new Bulldogs that were showered in sports drink as they sang their team song in the rooms. His family were at the ground to witness the special moment and Jones was part of post-game television coverage with an interview by Channel 7 commentators. Pre-game Jones was embraced by fellow Indigenous player and small forward Charlie Cameron from the Lions.