Comerford had spent six month on the sidelines in hopes he would not require surgery, however, Magpies coach Mick Bolch said a second specialist confirmed in December he would need season-ending surgery.

“He has to have an operation now after sitting on the sidelines for six months being told he wouldn’t need an operation, that it would strengthen up,” Bolch said this week ahead of the Magpies’ first trial match on Saturday night against Toronto at Toronto.

“He went back for a second opinion in the middle of December and they sent him to a second specialist and they said he will need an operation.

“So he will miss this whole season as well. He’ll be a massive loss for us.”

Comerford was expected to play a huge role in Maitland’s push for an NPL title and to progress into the latter stages of FFA Cup, but Bolch has plenty of quality in his squad including star signings striker Joel Wood and defender Tommy Davies.

“Tommy Davies and Joel Wood are really training the house down,” Bolch said.

“I expect big things from them, especially Joel who is looking really sharp and really fit. I think he is thriving being part of a good squad after last year.”

The Magpies will also benefit with the return of midfielder Ryan Broadley and defender Blake Thompson from overseas travel.

“Ryan has been doing really good since he came back from overseas. It will great competition with him and the Swannys (Matt and Andrew Swan), Sean Pratt and Matt Thompson for the middle of the park.

“You’ve got five really good players there competing for three spots.  I think that competition will push us on this year.”

Maitland’s first trial game at home is on Friday, February 8 against Lake Macquarie City. 

The Magpies have the bye in the first round of the 2019 season and kick off their campaign with a home game under lights against Valentine at Cooks Square Park on Saturday, March 16.

Coalfields rival Weston open their season on Friday, March 8, against Hamilton. 

The first local derby is in round 3 under lights at Weston, on Saturday, March 23. 

Bolch said his squad was shaping up very well and it was just eight weeks until their season kicked off.

“They’ve shaped up well. All the boys put in before Christmas and returned to the track from January 7,” he said.

“All the 20s grand final side are back, with the exception of Josh Williams who has signed with Adamstown.

”The Duggan boys Tom and Adam,  Louis Townsend, Luke Jennings, Lachlan Webb, all those boys are on board.

“They’ve got to see that a few of the boys in first grade might not have many years left so it is a great opportunity for them to push up and grab spots.”

Bolch said he would take a squad of about 16 into Saturday night.

“Everyone will probably get 60 to 65 minutes, We will probably go with a squad of 16- players and rotate them around so everyone is getting two-thirds of a game.

“You don’t really want them playing 90 minutes first hit out, especially in these high 30s.”