Kyabram’s new skipper Zac Norris to miss the early part of GVL season

By Gus Underwood

Feb 21, 2024

Big blow: Kyabram's Zac Norris has been ruled out for the early part of the approaching GVL season. Photo by Megan Fisher

Kyabram Football Club has suffered a massive pre-season setback with newly- appointed skipper Zac Norris ruled out for the early part of the approaching Goulburn Valley League season at least.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Norris suffered a medical episode in a shopping centre on the Gold Coast late last week and spent two days in hospital, telling the Kyabram Free Press of how the incident unfolded.

‘‘I blacked out and fell on my shoulder which I had injured last year,’’ Norris said after arriving back in Kyabram at the weekend.

Norris dislocated the AC joint in his right shoulder in last season’s GVL grand final which necessitated surgery and a summer of rest to be ready for this season.

Norris was due to have tests on Monday in Melbourne to determine what caused his medical episode and also expects to undergo more surgery on the shoulder this week.

He said he was keeping positive about both outcomes, but conceded he would be missing the early part of the season at least.

‘‘I’ll just have to see what happens with my tests this week. It is all very disappointing, but I’m remaining positive and hope it’s not as bad as it seems,’’ he said.

Norris, one of the GVL’s premier ruckmen and league representative, has just been appointed as the Bombers’ captain and has played more than 100 senior games with the club.

He was a member of Kyabram’s 2019 premiership side.

The loss of Norris robs the Bombers of their only specialist ruckman and presents a huge challenge to find a replacement of his calibre.