Adelaide defender Wayne Milera has received the devastating news that he will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season after scans revealed a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee.
Milera sustained the injury during the third quarter of Adelaide’s match against Fremantle when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest. Despite initially getting back on his feet, he was unable to continue and was assisted off the field by trainers.
This injury marks the second time Milera has suffered a patella tendon injury in his career, having experienced a similar setback in 2021.
Adelaide confirmed the unfortunate prognosis on Sunday, expressing sympathy for Milera and acknowledging his resilience in facing adversity. High Performance Manager Darren Burgess emphasized Milera’s positive attitude and determination to recover fully.
Milera’s injury adds to a series of setbacks he has faced, including a stress fracture in his foot in 2020 and a previous patella tendon injury that caused him to miss the entire 2021 season. Additionally, Milera has dealt with hamstring issues recently, further complicating his injury history.
Lachie Murphy, who replaced Milera during the match, also suffered a knee knock and will undergo scans alongside Milera to assess the extent of his injury.
These injuries compound Adelaide’s existing injury concerns, with players like Jordon Butts, Rory Sloane, Riley Thilthorpe, Nick Murray, and Harry Schoenberg already sidelined.
Despite these challenges, Adelaide found solace in their reserves’ victory over South Adelaide in the SANFL, with several young players showcasing their talent and potential.
