Ruckman, Jason Laycock, has had a screw in his foot removed after being told he has recovered from a navicular stress fracture.

 

The 201cm ruckman will commence running once the surgical wound has healed.

 

""The screw was removed yesterday (Thusday). It was a minor operation but we believe it will remove the discomfort he's been feeling in his foot,""  football operations manager, Paul Hamilton said.

 

""At this stage the surgeons are suggesting he can return to running as soon as his wound has healed which could take one or two weeks.

 

The problem foot has forced the 24-year-old onto a modified program for the pre-season.

  

Despite his limited pre-season, Hamilton said Laycock has not been ruled out of consideration for Round 1 of the home and away season.

 

""Obviously it has not been an ideal preparation for the 2009 season and Jason is aware he will have to really put his head down and work hard to get himself fit for the season ahead,"" he said.

 

Laycock has played 58 games for the Bombers since being drafted with pick no.10 in the 2002 National Draft.