EXCITING St Kilda rookie Eli Templeton could besidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a broken armon Monday. 

Templeton was taken to hospital during the Saints'Anzac Day clash against the Brisbane Lions in Wellington and is expected tomiss three to four months. 

"Eli had made a promising start to his first AFLseason after being elevated from the Saints rookie list, so to suffer thisinjury in round six was very disappointing for both him and the club,"head of football Chris Pelchen told saints.com.au.  

"But we are confident the outstanding applicationthat Eli has already shown to his football will see him return to play eitherlater this year or early in 2015." 

Templeton has been alivewire inclusion for the Saints since earning elevation to the senior list,playing all six games for the club. 

The 18-year-old underwentsurgery in Melbourne on Monday having broken his left arm above the elbow whiletackling opponent Sam Mayes. 

He will remain in hospital until midweek beforeundergoing an extended rehabilitation period, with a return date yet to bedetermined. 

Twitter: @AFL_Nathan