Sharp went down in the third-quarter raising fears within the Saints camp that they could be without their inspirational leader for the start of the season.

However, the news wasn't as good for Dederang-Mt Beauty recruit Liam Hood.

Hood was stretchered off in the first-half with a knee injury.

Sharp said scans this week are expected to reveal the worst-case scenario and that Hood will require surgery for a torn ACL and is set to miss the entire season.

Hood was a chance to make his senior debut for the Saints in the opening round after enjoying a solid pre-season.

Sharp said he was on crutches after the match more as a precautionary measure and to keep the weight off his ankle.

"I rolled the ankle inwards in contrast to the usual injury when the ankle rolls outwards," Sharp said.

"I will see a physio this week to determine the extent of the damage.

"I'm confident I will be fit to play in the opening round.

"Unfortunately Liam wasn't as lucky and looks to have sustained a serious knee injury.

"We will wait on the scans but it's disappointing because Liam was having a really solid pre-season and was in good form in our two practice matches.

"But apart from Liam we should have a full squad to pick from in the first round at this stage."

IN OTHER NEWS

Lavington won the pre-season hitout 10.13 (73) to 6.5 (41).

Both sides were missing plenty of firepower as they opted to give younger players the chance to impress and be selected in the seniors for the season opener.

The Saints were without Matt Dussin, Frazer and Lachie Dale, Taylor Hunt, Matt Munro, Hugh Wales and Nathan Laracy.

Sharp said there were still plenty of sore bodies as players try to become accustomed to body contact after 12 months on the sidelines.

"A few of the boys were still sore from training and the practice match the previous week," he said.

"It was only a four-quarter match and we still had a lot of the younger players that we wanted to have a look at in regards to being picked in the seniors."

Sharp said the defending premier will take a power of beating again this season.

"It was the Lavington of old and they use the ball really well," he said.

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