Scans of Jarrod Hodgkin's knee to determine fate for remainder of season

Hodgkin hasn't played since pulling up sore against Corowa-Rutherglen after their round seven clash.

The reigning Morris medallist has missed a month of football which included a fortnight layoff due to COVID plus the past two matches against North Albury and Wangaratta.

Hodgkin initially thought he could overcome his injured knee by resting.

"The injury hasn't improved much with the layoff so I'm booked in to see the specialist in Melbourne next week," Hodgkin said.

"I'm hoping to avoid surgery and be able to manage the injury for the rest of the season and then get it fixed at the end of the year.

"But I might not be able to play with it either because I went for a run yesterday (Monday) and I'm not walking around too well today.

"I've had an initial MRI which revealed some cartilage floating around that will have to be removed at some point.

"Fingers crossed I can get that done after the season but the specialist will decide whether I need the surgery done sooner rather than later."

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Hodgkin revealed that it wasn't until the following day after playing against Corowa-Rutherglen that his knee injury flared up.

"I can't remember doing anything to my knee against Corowa," he said.

"I got a hit to the ribs early.

"I woke up the next morning and struggled to walk and then we were hit by the lockdown.

"So I thought with a bit of rest it would come good, but now every time I try to go for a run I pull up sore."

The Raiders have exceeded critics' expectations to sit fifth with a 5-4 record at the half-way point of the season.

But reigning premier Lavington and Wodonga are breathing down their neck four points in arrears and ready to pounce.

The loss of Hodgkin for the remainder of the season would be a stinging blow to the Raiders' finals aspirations.

Hodgkin alongside Jydon Neagle are regarded as the two most influential players at Birallee Park.

Meanwhile young defender Mitch Thomas has avoided a second knee reconstruction.

But has undergone surgery for a meniscus tear and is a chance to play again this season.

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