Concerns for AFL star Liam Duggan after a mysterious illness hospitalizes him
West Coast defender Liam Duggan was taken to hospital for observation after becoming the last Eagle to fall ill with illness.
Duggan was scheduled to appeal his one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle before the AFL tribunal Tuesday night.
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But the Eagles have since withdrawn that challenge due to the severity of the illness Duggan is struggling with.
The 26-year-old is now officially suspended for Saturday’s game against the Crows in Adelaide.
In a brief statement, West Coast said Duggan fell ill Monday night and was taken to hospital for observation.
The club did not provide any information on the nature of the illness or when the player was expected to return.
Luke Edwards and Tom Barrass are among the other Eagles players who have been battling illnesses in recent weeks.
Duggan’s illness and suspension means West Coast will have at least four changes to make this week.
Shannon Hurn (hamstring), Elijah Hewett (concussion) and Connor West (knee) were all sidelined after suffering injuries in the first quarter of last week’s 63-point loss to Collingwood.
Barrass has a chance to return from his hip injury while captain Luke Shuey is on track to return after suffering hamstring and ankle complaints.
Duggan has been one of the West Coast’s best players this season.
The Premier League defender is averaging 23 departures per game and shines when he spends time in midfield.
He had 33 touches against Collingwood over the weekend and 35 against Essendon the week before.
Duggan joins the likes of Hurn, Nic Naitanui, Jamie Cripps, Jack Darling, Jeremy McGovern, Liam Ryan and Tom Cole on a star-studded injury list.
The news is another blow in a cursed season for the West Coast.
With just one win this year, they’re at the bottom of the rankings and look set to finish last for sure.
– With Cameron Noakes
