Pre-season report: Soldiers

Clarko always says “If you lose one soldier, you just replace him with another one.”

Injuries are disappointing for players, the team, coaches, the Club and its members and supporters, but they are an unavoidable part of sport.

As frustrating as injuries are, they can give a young, developing player the opportunity to test themselves in the senior side. 

The team that will take on Brisbane at Southport includes new recruits Rhan Hooper, Ben Stratton, Taylor Duryea, Wayde Skipper and Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, who are all in their first year at the Club.

Injuries to Simon Taylor and Brad Sewell last weekend, coupled with some players who are currently on the mend, give young ruckmen Renouf, Skipper and Lisle and developing midfielders/forwards Shiels and Moss the chance to shoulder more responsibility in the side.

Max Bailey is working hard in the gym and on the track in his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction, while Cyril Rioli is doing well and, barring any setbacks, the Club anticipates his return for Round 1.

Shaun Burgoyne’s fitness is improving after a minor hamstring strain and the Club will ease him into the side, while Clinton Young is recovering well and should make his return to the seniors through the Box Hill ranks early in season 2010.

Youngsters Brendan Whitecross, Cameron Stokes, Luke Lowden and Riley Milne are all working hard to get back into full training.