Williams ruled out for regular season

South East Melbourne’s hopes for a Finals berth have been dealt a serious blow following the decision for star center Alan Williams to undergo knee surgery early next week, which will rule him out of the remainder of the regular season.

Williams will have an exploratory meniscectomy on his right knee to rectify an injury he received in the Phoenix’s Round 13 clash with Brisbane. It is separate to the operation he had on his knee that kept him sidelined at the beginning of the season.

Williams was absent for the Phoenix’s Wednesday night defeat to Adelaide, and last played in South East Melbourne’s 21-point defeat to Perth in Round 15.

“Alan will undergo this surgery in the hopes of him returning to full fitness after a tough few weeks where he has played and trained under duress,” Phoenix Head of High Performance Eric Hollingsworth said.

“Alan will remain an integral part of the group during his rehab period as a vocal leader in the team as we aim for a playoff berth at the back end of this season.”

A run of seven defeats in eight games has seen South East Melbourne drop out of the Finals places. The Phoenix next play New Zealand on Saturday night.