Emerging young key forward Jay Neagle is expected to return to full training at the start of 2010 after undergoing a groin operation.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the 21-year-old visited an expert in Sydney immediately following the 2009 season after experiencing groin soreness and was advised that rest was the best course of action.
""Unfortunately Jay didn't respond as well as expected to rest and three weeks ago had surgery on his groin in Sydney,"" Hamilton said.
""By all reports the surgery went well and he will now work with the rehabilitation group until Christmas. We expect him to join in the main skills sessions at the start of next year.
""Obviously this is a set-back for Jay but he will still be able to work on his conditioning while in the rehab group and we will concentrate on getting him physically right as soon as possible.
""We are confident we will still get a decent amount of training through him leading into the season.""
