News

Browne takes cautious approach

Monday, 6 February 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
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Essendonfc.com.au is following Alex Browne's pre-season with monthly updates as the second-year Essendon midfielder strives to make 2012 his breakout season. This is the fourth update of the series.

Alex Browne was feeling great. The second-year Bomber had enjoyed a trouble-free start to 2012, getting through his Christmas program and training well in the first three weeks of January.

As Essendon turned its focus almost singularly to match simulation, Browne had found himself more comfortable among his teammates.

He felt more confident backing himself in drills, doubted himself less with his skills and was taking on teammates more often.

He had reached his goal of 88kg and was demanding the ball with an increased presence.

"I felt I was training pretty well and was gaining confidence on the track and around the club, too," he says.

Stand as One - One Team. One Dream. Click here or call 1300 GO BOMBERSto become a member and be part of the Bombers teamtoday.

Only injury – a hamstring strain, to be specific – could halt his momentum.

In a speed running drill, the 19-year-old took off and felt a pinch in his right hamstring. Straight away he knew something was wrong, and he's likely to sit out another two weeks of training before returning to the full group.

It carries extra disappointment for Browne given his November training block was interrupted by a quad strain.

"It's pretty frustrating," Browne told AFL.com.au/essendonfc.com.au in the fourth update of his pre-season campaign.

"All you want to do at this time of the year is get on the park and put your hand up for selection, so to get these sort of niggles and interruptions are going to hinder my chances.

"But it's better now than during the season, I suppose."

Browne now finds himself back in the rehab group, membership of which he had lamented in November.

He's back doing boxing sessions, swimming and cross-training activities while teammates are sharpening their skills on the track.

He's having regular physiotherapy on the hamstring, and is working to strengthen his core muscles around the area.

"I'd prefer to be out on the park, but this is the way I've got to do it," he says.

Browne is likely to be available for the back end of the NAB Cup (where he impressed many last season) and will probably play off half-back, despite the coaches aiming to build him into an inside midfielder in the future.

In going through match scenarios at training, including pausing and seeing how they were setting up, Browne found himself more confident in that area of the ground.

It allows for his attacking run, and also his aggression, which has impressed teammates at Essendon.

"I'm pushing up a little bit but I feel a lot safer at half-back," he says.

"I reckon I read the game better there. I was training there before I got injured and was getting a bit of the ball. It will probably be at half-back or maybe on the wing."

Stand as One - One Team. One Dream. Click here or call 1300 GO BOMBERSto become a member and be part of the Bombers teamtoday.

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Get that hammy right Alex. Injuries have plagued the Bombers, so we will need you on the paddock when your right, best of luck for 2012.

- Graeme Coad (posted 6/02/2012 1:50:13 PM)

That really sucks. Always concerns me when the club plays down these injuries. A 'pinch' this time. We have overused the 'twinge' lately. Mid-back that looks to have the body and go in him for senior footy. Get it sorted Browny and push for a spot, as there is one in the backline for you.

- Brad Scarr (posted 6/02/2012 3:21:03 PM)

The training/conditioning staff will look after you Alex,just tell it straight to them,don't keep them in the dark... Fortunately your self appointed mentor likes trying to fool us by going awol and changing names,at least that lets the EFC staff oversee your progress that is being made,and gives bobby a bit of free time to have a hot cocoa with his latest creation,Karen T... Go You Mighty Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 6/02/2012 3:24:08 PM)

Gotta get this right, this kid shows a fair bit. Also I had him earmarked for Supercoach, but if he is going to keep getting niggles he is out.

- Eric Young (posted 6/02/2012 6:10:43 PM)

Browne has been unlucky with smaller injuries, but with sound management should still be right to play seniors this year. Look forward to Browne's development, but there are others in the wings waiting on a chance also.

- Wesley Hull (posted 6/02/2012 9:11:22 PM)

Good call Brad, bit like Hurleys "experienced tightness" in early Jan. to keep him out until the back end of the NAB cup, the list gets bigger but the medical staff will get him right. anyone heard how Gumby & Kav are progressing

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/02/2012 8:07:11 AM)

Hope you get this sorted Alex. was looking forward to watching you in Perth on 19th. wishing you a quick & complete recovery.

- Gail Taylor (posted 7/02/2012 10:33:09 AM)

Windy Hill's becoming Hammy Central, it seems, but I have faith in this kid. His attitude is spot on and we'll get 300 games out of him.

- alec shiffman (posted 7/02/2012 11:47:00 AM)

what a fine young man and he does look so handsome in the red & black. Kaz.

- Karen Tempany (posted 7/02/2012 3:04:41 PM)

Brownie my boy,if you had only listened to me,you would be fightin' fit like me in me prime,just before my love affair with the jumbos...And friends,have moved in with RayB,to save on time and cost with phone calls to liaise on our ideas and posts...Someone tell Marg will ya.. :-( Essendon for Premiers this year,and me and me mates to raise a few grand to pay it all orf... Trust me .. ha ha ha.. Brownie for Bomber B & F and Brownelow... Love ya Kaz,put another log on the fire will ya luv,cold down here in Tassie. regards dazzd..

- Bob (dazzdud) Davies (posted 7/02/2012 6:13:42 PM)

Hope this hamstring problem is just a minor hurdle on your road to a standout year of football, Alex. Well done on losing the weight. We can't wait to hear you are winning the injury battle.

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 7/02/2012 10:18:13 PM)