Simmonds in hospital
11 August 2007 Herald Sun
Damian Barrett
RICHMOND'S Troy Simmonds' season may be finished, with an energy-sapping virus affecting his breathing and requiring him to spend time in hospital.
Simmonds, a late withdrawal from last night's match against Collingwood at the MCG, may miss the final three games, depending on his rate of recovery.
The Tigers said Simmonds had suffered from a virus all week.
It is believed the virus has affected the muscles around his heart.
"Throughout the week Troy has been suffering from a virus, which has affected his breathing," a club statement read.
"He entered hospital last night as a precautionary measure to undergo some medical testing.
"The club will give an update on Troy's health when it has the result of those tests, but expects this is only a short-term problem."
Simmonds felt lethargic in last weekend's match against Geelong at Skilled Stadium.
He experienced tightness in the chest during the week and was sapped of energy.
He was in hospital on Thursday night and again yesterday.
Richmond had hoped Simmonds would return before season's end.
Simmonds has played just 10 of the season's 18 matches because of an ankle injury.
He broke his right ankle in mid-January. He returned too soon, in Round 3, given the Tigers' on-field problems.
Simmonds broke down again in the Round 6 loss to Geelong, with X-rays revealing the broken bone in his ankle had not healed properly.
Simmonds resumed in Round 13 and played consecutive matches through to last weekend's Round 18 loss to Geelong.
The ruckman has averaged 10 disposals, four marks and 13 hitouts from his 10 matches this year.
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