Advertisement

Armstrong ponders future

Railways veteran Carl Armstrong grimaces after his season-ending elbow injury in the side’s round 4 loss to Kambalda. Picture: Mary Meagher

Railways stalwart Carl Armstrong says there is no guarantee he will continue his illustrious Goldfields Football League career after an elbow injury ended his 2015 campaign.

Armstrong dislocated his elbow in his side's thrilling two-point loss to Kambalda in round 4, and required surgery to reattach the joint's muscle, ligaments and tendons.

The four-time premiership player had successful surgery in Perth on Monday and has an expected rehabilitation period of four to six months.

While the 29-year-old admitted first thoughts were "getting his arm right for work", he said he would weigh up his football future over summer.

"I've had a few injuries now - going under the knife six times where I've had a shoulder reconstruction, plates put in my jaw and country knee operations as well," he said.

"My family will support me with whatever decision I make, but they would probably be pretty happy if I retired.

"It's pretty hard being away from them - I've got a wife and two kids and I'm in Perth with a busted arm, so it does make it hard, but I've had a good career which does put it in perspective.

"However, I'll see how I go and if the body feels good next summer, I'll be running around for sure."

The veteran's loss leaves a big hole in the reigning premiers' midfield, which has been tested in the season's opening weeks.

Railways find themselves behind top-of-the-table Mines, and tied with Kambalda and Boulder with a two-win, two-loss record.

The Panthers responded last week in Armstrong's absence with a convincing 17.7 (109) to 11.7 (73) win over Boulder.

The team have the chance to notch their third win of the season this Sunday, when they take on the struggling Kangaroos in the traditional Kalgoorlie derby.

Armstrong, who will return to Kalgoorlie-Boulder this week, said despite not being able to return to the field, he would be back to help out the club any way he could.

"I've received messages from just about every one of the boys, so once I get back to Kalgoorlie, I'll get down to the club to find out what my new role is," he said.

"Whether that is helping the reserves or league, I'm not too sure, so I'll catch up with Craig (Alderdice) and see what he wants me to do."