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Glancy injury hits Royals for six

by
Brendan Leicester

WINLESS after three rounds, and sitting second from bottom, East Perth will now be without the services of hard-nosed midfielder Craig Glancy after he suffered a broken jaw in his side’s 17-point loss to ladder leader West Perth yesterday.

Glancy had a plate inserted in his jaw, and will be sidelined for up to six weeks, following a sickening collision with both Quinten Lynch and teammate Jason Roe during the first quarter of the Perth derby.

The 26-year-old was running back with the flight of the ball at left half back for the Royals when he copped a double whammy from Lynch (102kg) and Roe (95kg) who were running at full speed in the opposite direction.

East Perth football manager Mark Winnett said it was a real blow for the club to be without their seasoned midfielder for nearly two months, but took nothing away from Glancy’s commitment to the football.

“He’s (Glancy) just a real courageous player, to be running against the flight of the ball like that...” “It’s just unfortunate that he copped such a heavy knock so early on,” he said. 

Compacting matters for the Royals is news that goal sneak Mat Seal may be in doubt for the Royals’ clash against Peel at Medibank Stadium on Saturday due to a hamstring strain.

Seal, who booted 36 goals for the Royals last season will have a fitness test to assess his condition during the week, but faces an uphill battle to overcome his injury, with just a five day break. 

But despite being in a winning position against the undefeated Falcons, Winnett lauded the performance of the Royals for being competitive, in spite of the
early personnel losses during the match. 

“I think it’s a credit to the club for the way we were able to stay right in the contest given we lost two of our players by half-time.

“We do take solace in the fact we’ve been competitive in all our games, but having said that, we could easily be 3 and zip,” he said.

“It’s a little disappointing we couldn’t capitalise on our opportunities. We had chances to hit the lead in last quarter, but we just lacked polish and finishing skills.”

Another weighty issue at the club is the match fitness of prized recruit David Wirrpanda, who spent most of his time in the forward line against West Perth.

The retired West Coast legend managed 12 touches to go with his 1.3, and looked well off his best. 

“David’s got other commitments as well as managing his time at the club as a part time player.

“He’s put on a few kilos since joining the club, but at the moment we’re not too concerned,” Winnett said.

Wirrpanda is listed as being 81kg in the Bouncedown 2010 Magazine, and is set to expand his media profile by appearing on Channel Seven’s next instalment of Dancing with the Stars.