RICHMOND flag hero Jacob Townsend won't be part of the Tigers' premiership defence after he undergoes surgery on a fractured fibula on Monday.
The 25-year-old injured his left ankle in a tackle during the first quarter of the Tigers' VFL win over Frankston on Saturday and failed to the return to the field.
It's since been determined an operation and recovery period of at least two months is required.
"He suffered a fractured fibula from the game, which means he needs surgery … that's his season over, unfortunately," Richmond's physical performance manager Peter Burge told the club's website.
"It's really disappointing, it's probably an eight-to-10-week situation from the surgery, so really now it's just about getting himself right for pre-season."
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The Tigers were long odds to become the first side ever to reform their winning 2017 premiership team this season, given the emergence of defender Jayden Short, the promise of youngster Jack Higgins and the return of Reece Conca.
But with Townsend now ruled out, they have no chance of getting their flag-winning 22 back together before the end of their season.
Townsend has been in and out of the AFL side this season after his fairytale run to last year's finals where he came into the side in round 22 and held his spot to win a premiership medal.
He last played at AFL level in round 20 against Geelong this season.
Meanwhile, Dan Butler will play limited minutes in the Tigers' VFL qualifying final against Williamstown on Saturday night.
The 22-year-old hasn't played since injuring his ankle in round 16 against Adelaide and underwent surgery to strengthen the joint on August 10.
He is expected to train fully with the VFL squad this week while the AFL players have a few days off.
"It won't be a full game, but it's great news. He's moving really well and that minor surgery he had two weeks ago has really helped him progress so we're really pleased," Burge said.
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Another premiership player in Kane Lambert is also on the comeback trail from an ankle injury that required the same surgical intervention as Butler's on August 13.
However, given he last played in round 21, it's unlikely he'll play in the VFL this week and will instead be considered to come straight into the Tigers' side to face Hawthorn on September 6.
"He's running really well at the moment, running with good balance, good gait, and he'll resume training on the weekend with the group," he said.
"We think he's a really good chance to play next week [against Hawthorn]."
Oleg Markov is a chance to return from a knee injury in the VFL final this week if he gets through training while Mabior Chol (foot) and Nathan Drummond (hamstring) are looking at a later return in September.
Shai Bolton is in a similar boat, having ramped up his running on the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill after a knee injury.
