GOLD Coast recruit Michael Barlow's season is over after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured leg suffered in the Suns' 10-point loss to Carlton.
The ex-Fremantle player, who endured a horror break to the same leg in his debut season in 2010, crumpled in a tackle midway through the final term of Saturday's clash at Metricon Stadium.
Barlow immediately signalled for assistance and was taken off on a stretcher, with the Blues charging home in the final minutes after the injury break to secure the win.
The 29-year-old was taken to hospital straight after the game and underwent surgery on Sunday morning.
"Scans last night revealed Michael had fractured his left fibula, but the good news from a medical perspective is that the surgery was a success,'' Suns football boss Marcus Ashcroft said.
"We will now focus on ensuring Michael is pain free and make sure he gets through the next period of time.
"Michael is as positive as can be, at this early stage it's believed he will resume running in approximately three months, which means he will be up and running when pre-season gets underway.
"Unfortunately Michael has been down a similar path before, and even though the injury isn't as severe this time, he knows what's ahead and we will be with him every step of the way."
Barlow attacked a loose ball in traffic and gathered the footy before Blues midfielder Bryce Gibbs fell across his lower left leg.
The veteran immediately knew he was in trouble, signalling for help from the trainers.
Gold Coast formally confirmed the leg break via Twitter on Sunday morning, saying it would "provide a further update following his surgery".
Barlow was given pain relief on the field before being carried off on the medicart.
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"He's been fantastic for us this year, his on-field performance and his leadership," Ashcroft said.
"And when he went off, they kicked three in a row, and that was the end of the story, unfortunately."
Barlow's latest injury comes almost seven years after he suffered a gruesome break to his left leg during his debut season with Fremantle in 2010.
