Murray MiddletonMalceski Experiment A Failure
August 12th 2008 10:58
In Sydney's first pre-season match of 2008 Nick Malceski tore his anterior cruciate ligament, a mishap which would normally have been the end of his season. The Swans defender decided not to have a full knee reconstruction. Instead, he was sent to a French surgeon who used synthetic fibres to rebuild his knee. Malceski returned to senior football in the middle of the season, completing a remarkable three month recovery period (one quarter of the usual time). With the regular season almost finished, it is time to evaluate whether or not the decision has been a success.
The fact that Sydney opted for the risky surgery was testament to how important Malceski was to their structure. Tadgh Kennelly - the Swans next most attacking defender - has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. There was no guarantee that he would be able to cover Malceski's loss. Swans recruit Martin Mattner has had a good season, but his decision making, at times, has been substandard. It is clear that the Swans felt that their hand was forced. They have had a phenomical run with injuries over the past five seasons and have built a team that relies upon stability more than anything else.
Malceski's form since his return to the team has been substandard. His best game was against the West Coast Eagles when he collected twenty-nine disposals. However he has looked ginger throughout his comeback and has been reduced to a bit-part role. Malceski's turning circle has increased significantly. He has lost a yard of pace (which is to be expected). It is yet to be proven that Malceski's knee can stand up to tough physical contests. He has missed several matches since his return because of soft tissue injuries which, almost certainly, are a result of his body compensating for the weakened knee.
The Swans are currently clinging to fourth spot on the ladder. They will definately play finals and will probably have a double chance. Malceski played a full game in the reserves last weekend and is tipped to make another comeback this week. Surely this is his last chance for the season. The pace and intensity always increase during finals matches. Players carrying niggles are often exposed in the frenetic speed of the contest. There is no doubt that the Swans will have grave concerns about Malceski's ability to last one finals match, let alone three or four.
One of the main reasons that Sydney will not win the premiership in 2008 is because both Malceski and Kennelly are not fit (they are also not in the same league as Geelong). Neither player can play below their knees. They have given servicable run to the team at times, but have been exposed once the ball hits the deck. Any opposition coach worth his wallet will have noticed this problem. The forwards who play on Kennelly and Malceski in the finals - Stokes, Chapman, Rioli, Akermanis - all have a huge opportunity to hurt the Swans.
Fremantle's Luke Webster opted for the same surgery as Malceski when he injured his anterior cruciate ligament this season. Webster, at 26, viewed the surgery as the only way to save his ailing career. Webster has always been a great athlete, but has suffered three season-ending knee injuries in his career. Webster played a handful of games in the WAFL in a bold attempt to break into the Dockers line-up before the season's end. However his season is now over. The reason: complications with Webster's knee. Two players have opted for this 'revolutionary' surgery. Neither Malceski nor Webster has had any impact in 2008.
Some will argue that Malceski's seven mediocre games have been more productive than zero. This represents a short-sighted approach. There is every chance that Malceski will continue to have complications with his knee because he has not given the injury enough time to heal itself. The form of Brendan Goddard this season represents the opposite side of the spectrum. Goddard injured his knee early in 2007 and missed one year of football. Having completed the necessary recovery, Goddard has returned to the Saints team in 2008 and is on the brink of All-Australian selection. He has had no problems with his knee so far, touch wood.
The fact that Sydney opted for the risky surgery was testament to how important Malceski was to their structure. Tadgh Kennelly - the Swans next most attacking defender - has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. There was no guarantee that he would be able to cover Malceski's loss. Swans recruit Martin Mattner has had a good season, but his decision making, at times, has been substandard. It is clear that the Swans felt that their hand was forced. They have had a phenomical run with injuries over the past five seasons and have built a team that relies upon stability more than anything else.
Malceski's form since his return to the team has been substandard. His best game was against the West Coast Eagles when he collected twenty-nine disposals. However he has looked ginger throughout his comeback and has been reduced to a bit-part role. Malceski's turning circle has increased significantly. He has lost a yard of pace (which is to be expected). It is yet to be proven that Malceski's knee can stand up to tough physical contests. He has missed several matches since his return because of soft tissue injuries which, almost certainly, are a result of his body compensating for the weakened knee.
The Swans are currently clinging to fourth spot on the ladder. They will definately play finals and will probably have a double chance. Malceski played a full game in the reserves last weekend and is tipped to make another comeback this week. Surely this is his last chance for the season. The pace and intensity always increase during finals matches. Players carrying niggles are often exposed in the frenetic speed of the contest. There is no doubt that the Swans will have grave concerns about Malceski's ability to last one finals match, let alone three or four.
One of the main reasons that Sydney will not win the premiership in 2008 is because both Malceski and Kennelly are not fit (they are also not in the same league as Geelong). Neither player can play below their knees. They have given servicable run to the team at times, but have been exposed once the ball hits the deck. Any opposition coach worth his wallet will have noticed this problem. The forwards who play on Kennelly and Malceski in the finals - Stokes, Chapman, Rioli, Akermanis - all have a huge opportunity to hurt the Swans.
Fremantle's Luke Webster opted for the same surgery as Malceski when he injured his anterior cruciate ligament this season. Webster, at 26, viewed the surgery as the only way to save his ailing career. Webster has always been a great athlete, but has suffered three season-ending knee injuries in his career. Webster played a handful of games in the WAFL in a bold attempt to break into the Dockers line-up before the season's end. However his season is now over. The reason: complications with Webster's knee. Two players have opted for this 'revolutionary' surgery. Neither Malceski nor Webster has had any impact in 2008.
Some will argue that Malceski's seven mediocre games have been more productive than zero. This represents a short-sighted approach. There is every chance that Malceski will continue to have complications with his knee because he has not given the injury enough time to heal itself. The form of Brendan Goddard this season represents the opposite side of the spectrum. Goddard injured his knee early in 2007 and missed one year of football. Having completed the necessary recovery, Goddard has returned to the Saints team in 2008 and is on the brink of All-Australian selection. He has had no problems with his knee so far, touch wood.
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