THE SURGERY was successful, but it's ultimately a tough break for emerging ruckman Billy Frampton, whose strong 2017 campaign had been halted by a season-ending shoulder injury.
The 20-year-old, who inked a new contract earlier this year, has been in strong form in the SANFL all season.
He will now miss the Magpies' final two games of the season against Norwood and North, and whatever finals they play in September, but remains on-track for an immediate start to pre-season when the Power resumes for 2018 in spring.
Port Adelaide's general manager of football Chris Davies expects Frampton, who has been among those considered for AFL duties this year, will hit the ground running in pre-season.
“He’s been a solid performer in the SANFL all season and kept his name in front of selectors for an AFL debut,” Davies said.
“There’s no good time to get injured, but Billy was looking forward to making an impact in the finals for the Magpies so it’s really disappointing for him and the club.
“The positive though is he’ll come back stronger in time to get stuck into next pre-season.”
Frampton joins Matthew Broadbent on the Power's injury list, with Broadbent being assessed for a return from an ankle complaint.
