STAR Warrnambool full forward Jason Rowan is near certain to miss the Hampden league season after doctors confirmed he had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.
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Rowan injured his left knee during the opening minutes of the Blues' first practice match of the pre-season against Lara at Walter Oval on Saturday.
The 28-year-old made a strong lead into the forward pocket and went to change direction after the kick eluded him when he slipped to the ground and clutched the knee.
Rowan had a scan on the knee on Monday and received the news his season was over on Tuesday afternoon.
"First and foremost my initial reaction is one of real disappointment for Jason," Warrnambool coach Scott Carter said.
"He's captain of our club, he's set a great example this pre-season how to prepare, he's in super condition, he's trained really hard.
"He was definitely leading from the front. Unfortunately he's gone down in the first three or four minutes of the first practice match of the season."
Carter said Warrnambool would need a collective effort from its forwards to fill the void left by Rowan, who sits second on the all-time Hampden league goals tally.
Tim O'Keeffe, Travis Graham, Sam Cowling and Turland brothers Jye and Jed are among those who could spend more time closer to goal this season.
"The first priority is to get his surgery done and get his rehab going and make sure he's all right himself before we worry about the footy side of things," Carter said.
"Knowing him as well as I do and knowing the character he is and the determination he possesses, he'll be back bigger and better.
"He's got plenty of character. I've seen him overcome injuries in the past, no doubt he will again.
Warrnambool plays Newtown Chilwell in a practice match at Reid Oval on Saturday. It opens its season against Koroit at Victoria Park on April 18.
