Port Adelaide speedster Joe Richards has been ruled out of the remainder of the season with a fractured finger that will need surgery, according to teammate Jason Horne-Francis.
In the Power's weekly injury update, Richards was listed with a potential return of 3-4 weeks, putting him in line for a late-season push. Horne-Francis put a line through him.
"I said to one of the boys, Joey is off; he's a bit crook,' and then they told me, ‘No, he's out for the year, he's going in for surgery on his hand,' and I'm like, ‘Are you kidding me?'" Horne-Francis said on Triple M.
"He is playing some good footy, and with the opportunity that he got with some more midfield time on the weekend, he just took it, it was unbelievable to watch; he was outstanding, especially in the first half."
Richards has been impressive under Josh Carr this year, playing 18 games averaging 17.7 disposals, 4.2 marks, 4.6 tackles and 2.5 clearances.
Port Adelaide is hopeful Mitch Georgiades will exit concussion protocols this week and be available for Sunday's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.
Star free agent Zak Butters has returned to the club to begin his rehabilitation following a syndesmosis repair, and is listed as 4-5 weeks away.
Butters is largely tipped to depart at season's end, and when he went down with injury, fears were realised he may have played his last game for Port Adelaide.
An incredible display of selflessness from the uncompromising midfielder was denied being walked to the draft by a rival, with Richmond, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all vying for his signature.
Instead, the Power leader is adamant the Alberton club must be compensated if he leaves as expected, according to the Herald Sun.
Butters' restricted free agency status is tipped to force a trade between Port Adelaide and the midfielder's preferred destination.
