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Saints lose Mitch Owens to injury, Swans star Errol Gulden to have ankle surgery

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Mitch Owens injured his shoulder during the Saints' preseason loss to the Power. (Getty Images/AFL Photos: Michael Willson)

In short:

Mitch Owens suffered a shoulder injury in the Saints' preseason loss to the Power.

The Swans will be without Errol Gulden for an indefinite period after he fractured his ankle against the Suns.

What's next?

The AFL season kicks off on Thursday with the Lions hosting the Cats at the Gabba.

St Kilda's Mitch Owens is the third player in the AFL preseason to be injured after being pushed by an opponent into a marking contest.

His injury came on the same day the Sydney Swans confirmed midfielder Errol Gulden would need surgery on a fractured ankle sustained in the preseason match against the Gold Coast Suns on Friday night.

A Swans spokesperson said Gulden's return to play timeline would be determined after surgery, which he will undergo on Sunday.

Owens's shoulder injury added to an unenjoyable afternoon for the Saints, who were outplayed by Port Adelaide on Saturday at Moorabbin.

The Power kept the Saints goalless in the first quarter and cruised to a 14.9 (93) to 7.7 (49) win.

Power ruckman Jordon Sweet gave Owens a nudge and the Saints forward then collided with Miles Bergman just before half-time.

Saints lose Mitch Owens to injury, Swans star Errol Gulden to have ankle surgery

Owens clutched at his shoulder following the incident. (Getty Images/AFL Photos: Michael Willson)

Owens immediately went to the rooms, nursing his left arm.

"The AFL needs to stamp this out of the game," Fox Footy commentator David King said after Owens's injury.

Owens's injury comes two days after Brisbane premiership defender Brandon Starcevich was concussed in the Lions' match against Adelaide, with Crows forward Dan Curtin also pushing him into an opponent.

That ruled Starcevich out of the defending premiers' season opener next Thursday night against Geelong at the Gabba.

Likewise, number-one draft pick Sam Lalor has a fractured jaw and concussion after the Richmond youngster was pushed by West Coast's Reuben Ginbey.

No match review action was taken against Curtin or Ginbey.

Marcus Bontempelli to miss start of AFL season

Photo shows Marcus Bontempelli in anguish after missing a kick

Saints lose Mitch Owens to injury, Swans star Errol Gulden to have ankle surgery

Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli will miss the start of the AFL season after a calf issue, which was initially thought to be minor, proved to be more substantial. 

Saints key forward Max King had knee surgery this week and is in doubt for the start of the season, while young gun Mattaes Phillipou is out of action with a leg stress fracture.

Rowan Marshall (pelvis) and Jack Sinclair (hamstring) must prove their fitness for round one.

While the Saints improved after half-time, they were outplayed and outworked early, giving coach Ross Lyon plenty to ponder ahead of their round-one match against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on March 16.

After kicking three goals in the first half, livewire Power forward Willie Rioli sat out the rest of the match with calf muscle awareness.

Power star Zak Butters had knee surgery this week and is sidelined until at least mid-April.

His captain Connor Rozee amassed 39 disposals against the Saints, while Jason Horne-Francis (31) was also prolific.

Former Western Bulldogs on-baller Jack Macrae had 32 touches for the Saints.

The Power start their season against Collingwood at the MCG on March 15.

AAP

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