Port Adelaide will be without big man Charlie Dixon for the beginning of season 2019 after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle on Tuesday.
After kicking 26 goals for Port last year, Dixon suffered a broken leg during a contest against West Coast late in the season.
This pre-season hasn't been ideal for the 28-year-old, who is still struggling with his recovery months after the injury.
"We are seven months since he broke his leg and took a significant injury out of that West Coast game," Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley told The Advertsier.
"It was more than just a broken leg once the ankle is factored in.
"Charlie is running. But he is not training the way we would like to have him training now.
"It is hard to get an accurate timeline on his return. It could be as early as a week (to full training). It could be as far out as four weeks.
"I can't get a crystal ball read on that one. It is very difficult. It is a significant injury - broken leg and ankle at the same time. It will take a long time. And he is a big person to carry on those legs."
Dixon won't feature for Port in their Round 1 match-up against the Demons at the MCG on Saturday, with no time frame one the 200cm forward.
