A DECISION on Jared Polec’s long-term foot injury will be made in the next fortnight.
Polec’s foot will be rescanned during the Round 13 bye from which a decision will be made on the rest of his season.
But Hinkley doesn’t believe Power fans will see much more of the silky outside midfielder.
“I don’t think you’ll see Jared Polec play much [more] footy this year, on what we’re seeing, that’s the facts, that’s the reality of it all,” Hinkley said following Port Adelaide’s 38-point win on Saturday night.
The decision on Polec’s season will be based on the results of his review scans, which will be taken to assess the progress of his recovery from a navicular injury.
If scans suggest a risk of further damage to his navicular bone, Polec could be put on ice for the rest of the season.
“We’re not going to take a risks, because it’s a dangerous bone to take a risk with,” Hinkley said.
“I’d go as far as to say we’ll put a line through Polly very soon after the bye if there’s any risk.
“We’ve done a lot of research on naviculars and what’s the best way to treat them.
“We’re just making sure we make a really good decision for the long term.”
Jackson Trengove will be pushing to return after the bye, while Paddy Ryder will be assessed at training this week for a possible return against the Cats on Friday night.
Aaron Young was the only injury reported against the Bulldogs, having sustained a cut above his right eye after being subbed into the game after three-quarter time.