The player most affected by surgery to this stage is Mark Johnson who has been significantly restricted following shoulder surgery. However his arm is now out of a sling and he has joined his fellow senior players on a leadership tour of Japan. He will be back in full training by late-January.
Dean Solomon had thumb surgery recently to repair a damaged tendon. He has been able to complete all training requirements bar those that involve ball handling. It is expected he will get his hands on the footy again sometime in January.
Dean Rioli is progressing well after having hip and knee surgery at the end of last season – an operation that prevented him heading on the players’ end-of-season trip. Rioli has spent much of the past few weeks cross training and will soon re-join the main group.
Jason Johnson is in the same boat having had arthroscopic surgery on his hip after returning from the Australian’s trip to Ireland. He has spent a lot of time in the swimming pool and should resume running shortly.
Youngsters Tristan Cartledge (knee) and Jason Laycock (calf) are both progressing well after post-season operations. Both have recovered quickly and are working their way back to full fitness.
