Indefatigable West Coast midfielder Chris Masten will miss the start of the AFL season proper after suffering an ankle injury in last Saturday’s intraclub practice match.

Masten, a veteran of 140 games, suffered a high sprain to his left ankle and is not expected to be available for 8-10 weeks.

The durable running machine, who sets the pre-season benchmark with Andrew Gaff, has played 92 of the last 99 games. He has been a key figure in the rise of the club, particularly last year in teaming with the likes of Gaff, Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, classy ball distributer Luke Shuey and the emerging stars like Dom Sheed and Liam Duggan.

Masten, 26, is expected to have his ankle in a moon boot for the next couple of weeks before starting his rehabilitation program.