PORT ADELAIDE defender Aliir Aliir has had surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his right ankle.

The 27-year-old had an opponent land on his ankle in a marking contest in the second quarter of the side’s loss to Brisbane on Saturday night. 

Head of Medical Services Tim O’Leary says the All-Australian backman is likely to miss several games.

“While Aliir was able to play on after half time on Saturday night, he was found to have a high grade injury to his ankle syndesmosis, and subsequently underwent surgery today to repair this,” O’Leary said.

“The surgery went well and we would expect him to miss around five to six weeks of football.”

Fellow defender Trent McKenzie’s knee injury is not as serious as initially thought with scans revealing no structural damage to his left knee, after it hyperextended on landing in a last quarter marking contest. McKenzie will be assessed as the week progresses and remains a test for this week.

Wingman Xavier Duursma also remains a test after being substituted out of the game after colliding with an opponent in the first quarter. He suffered a sprained SC joint, but was cleared of any fracture.

Forwards Robbie Gray (knee) and Connor Rozee (ankle) have also escaped serious injury and could be available to feature in Saturday night’s home opener against Hawthorn.

In other news, Miles Bergman has been cleared to play his first game for 2022 following off-season shoulder surgery.

Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name its side for Saturday’s Round 2 game against the Hawks at Adelaide Oval.

The game will be a tribute match in honour of the late Australian football great Russell Ebert and will get underway at 7:10pm local time. 

Injury list

Aliir Aliir – ankle (5-6 weeks)

Tom Clurey – knee (3-4 weeks)

Charlie Dixon – ankle (2-3 weeks)

Xavier Duursma – shoulder (assess)

Orazio Fantasia – knee (6-8 weeks)

Robbie Gray – knee (assess)

Kane Farrell – knee (3-4 weeks)

Trent McKenzie – knee (assess)