WANGARATTA Rovers defender John Conroy’s knee is worse than first thought with the backman to undergo a reconstruction in coming weeks.

Conroy injured his knee in the opening minutes during the Hawks’ preseason clash against Numurkah last month and coach Matt Allen said yesterday it would require surgery.

“The damage is a bit more serious than what we thought,” Allen said.

“It’s a shame because John’s been a good player for us.”

Wangaratta Rovers on-baller Caolan Buckley suffered ligament damage to his thumb against Yarrawonga at Mulwala on Sunday and faces a fortnight on the sidelines.

Buckley, who has been a solid performer for the club since crossing from South Australia, came off the ground late as the Pigeons kicked away in the final quarter.

“It looks like a week or two at this stage,” Allen said.