Saunders injured his right knee in the game against Camperdown on Saturday with scans on Monday confirming a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of the game for up to 12 months.

Saunders has lived up to his star billing since arriving at the Roosters, dominating at club level as well as playing a key role in Hampden’s interleague win.

The 22-year-old came to South Warrnambool after a four-year stint at St Kilda which yielded 32 senior games. 

Saunders said while the injury was a blow, he was looking at the bigger picture.

“It’s not the best news to get but I have been pretty lucky, this is my first big footy injury,” Saunders said.

“It’s not all about me, the team is going well and I will be doing what I can to keep helping the boys.

“There is a lot of footy to be played this year and hopefully some exciting times ahead.

“We have heaps of players who can go through the midfield so we are well placed in that department.”

South Warrnambool is unbeaten after five rounds and sits in second place on the ladder.

The Roosters play host to top team Cobden on Saturday.

South Warrnambool coach Mathew Buck said while Saunders would be missed, he could still have a major impact on the Roosters’ fortunes.

“Josh is a really smart footballer and has a lot of knowledge of the game,” Buck said.

“We will be tapping into that. He is our assistant coach and in that role I expect him to keep being a really important part of what we are doing this year.

“Losing him as a player is obviously not ideal but adversity can make teams stronger.

“Bob Murphy was a classic example last year, no one thought the Bulldogs could win without him.  Adversity is part of most journeys.”