Injured defender Michael Hibberd is optimistic he will be fit to line up for the club’s season opener against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed a grade one strain to Hibberd’s hamstring, an injury he suffered during Tuesday night’s loss to Port Adelaide.
“I was chasing Angus Monfries with the ball, tried to take off and get a bit more speed and I just felt a little bit of something there,” Hibberd said.
“I got the scans yesterday and it is just a grade one strain so hopefully I can press for round one.”
“I have done a hamstring before, on ANZAC Day a few years ago and it didn’t hurt as much as that occasion.”
The dashing defender is optimistic about his chances of being fit for the club’s first match in the home and away season on March 21.
“No one likes to get injured but it has probably come at a good time if there is anything to take out of it,” he said.
“It is only three weeks till Round 1 and only one game in there that I will miss out on.”
“I am in a good mind frame that I should be fresh and ready to go Round 1 but in a worst case scenario Round 2.”
24-year-old Hibberd said he had already begun his rehabilitation program to ensure he is on track to return on time.
“They didn’t really ease me into it, I had a 10km session on the grinder this morning and then doing weights,” he said.
“I am going to make sure I work with the coaches, get to all the meetings and have everything down pat and make sure I don’t lose any of the game play scenarios.”
