Richmond's Reece Conca has dodged an AFL injury bullet, with scans confirming he avoided structural damage in a grisly ankle injury.
The Tigers are confident Conca can return this season after he suffered a dislocated ankle that won't require surgery against Sydney.
Play was stopped for several minutes at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night after Conca's left ankle was bent at an unnatural angle in a tackle by Lance Franklin.
Conca's teammates gathered around him in a show of solidarity before he was stretchered off during the first quarter of the 26-point win over the Swans.
He spent the night in hospital but initial fears he had suffered a bad fracture and would be out of the game for 12 months were allayed on Friday.
"We're so pleased for Reece that the outcome is as good as we could have hoped for," Tigers football boss Neil Balme said.
"The plan is for Reece to wear a moon boot for two weeks. He will then be able to resume a conditioning program and we expect him to be available later this season."
Conca was playing in his 100th AFL match when disaster struck.
