Port Adelaide have sent key forward Charlie Dixon for an ankle operation interstate to dodge South Australia's ban on elective surgery.
The Power retain some hope Dixon will recover in time for the club's premiership season-opener on March 19.
Dixon tore ligaments in his left ankle when landing on a teammate's foot after a marking contest at training on January 21.
He was sent for surgery interstate this week though the Power isn't specifying the exact location.
Elective surgery is currently banned in SA to ease pressure on the state's hospital system amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"The surgery went well and Dixon is expected to remain in contention to face Brisbane at the Gabba to open the club's season," Port said in a statement on Thursday.
The Power had initially feared any surgery would sideline Dixon, the club's leading goalkicker for three of the past five seasons, for a large chunk of the premiership season.
"When he initially did it, it looked quite serious," Power assistant coach Chad Cornes said on Monday.
"He was in a lot of pain and the talk was that it would require surgery and could be (out) up to three months so it was a little frightening to start with."
But that three-month forecast has eased, though Dixon is expected to miss the bulk of remaining pre-season training.
