Murray MiddletonMalceski To Face Bombers?
May 15th 2008 10:26
Tonight Sydney selected Nick Malceski in their extended squad to take on Essendon at the SCG on Sunday. There is no guarantee that Malceski wil play. He has been struggling with a virus all week and will undergo a fitness test on Friday. If he does play, his most likely destination is in the Swans' reserves. The fact that he has been named indicates how important he is to the team's structure. Although Sydney has won three matches out of seven (they also drew against the Kangaroos) in his absence, the side has been lacking their trademark run from defence. There is little doubt that a fit Malceski will improve the Swans fortunes, particularly in the absence of speahead Barry Hall.
Malceski ruptured the anterior cruciate in his right knee against Hawthorn in the first round of the NAB Cup. He was initially diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury. However Malceski, on advice from the Swans medical team, did not opt for a total knee reconstruction. Instead he underwent a partial reconstruction, which placed him on track for a quicker recovery, but also involved greater risks. Only the Swans know the full extent of the risk they have taken. The fact that no other team in the competition encourages such surgery speaks for itself.
The last player to return from a knee reconstruction in such quick time was Melbourne's David Schwarz. He completed one full match before suffering another season-ending injury to his knee. One year later he underwent a third knee reconstruction. Prior to his first injury Schwarz was an athletic forward who was a potential match-winner for the Demons. After three knee reconstructions he changed his game and became a bullocking forward who hit the contests hard but lacked a yard of pace. If Schwarz had his time over again there is little doubt that he would opt to complete his full rehabilitation.
If Malceski breaks down again the Swans will be widely criticised (and deservedly so). Television footage of Malceski training has been less than convincing. His turning circle has increased significantly and he appears a little ginger when putting weight on his right knee. This will not improve quickly. The reason the Swans will be keen to play Malceski in the seniors this week is because they play Essendon. There is little doubt that the Swans will comfortably account for the Bombers. They mightn't want to pass up the opportunity to ease Malceski back into the pace of senior football.
The likes of KIeron Jack, Ed Barlow, Craig Bird and Jarrod Moore have injected youth and enthusiasm into the Swans line-up this year. However, given the fickle nature of the Sydney market, the team cannot afford to place their hopes in a group of youngsters. Michael O'Laughlin and Barry Hall are in their final two seasons (and Nick Davis is out of favour). Once they retire, the Swans will have to build a new forward line. It is possible that this is Paul Roos' last roll of the dice. He has already signalled his intention to hand the reigns over to his assistant - John Longmire - at some point. There is a good chance that Roos will go when Hall and O'Laughlin go. Clearly Roos sees Malceski as an integral part of the Swans line-up.
Last season Geelong took a gamble by sending injured utility Max Rooke to Germany to have revolutionary treatment on his hamstring - which allegedly included injecting horse hormones into the injured region. Rooke returned to the side later in the season and became a premiership player. Regardless of what happens with Rooke from here, the move will be considered a success. If Sydney win a premiership this season with Nick Malceski in the team - which is an extremely unlikely outcome - the surgery will be heralded as a stroke of genius. If he re-injures his right knee, Swans supporters will have every reason to be outraged.
Malceski ruptured the anterior cruciate in his right knee against Hawthorn in the first round of the NAB Cup. He was initially diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury. However Malceski, on advice from the Swans medical team, did not opt for a total knee reconstruction. Instead he underwent a partial reconstruction, which placed him on track for a quicker recovery, but also involved greater risks. Only the Swans know the full extent of the risk they have taken. The fact that no other team in the competition encourages such surgery speaks for itself.
The last player to return from a knee reconstruction in such quick time was Melbourne's David Schwarz. He completed one full match before suffering another season-ending injury to his knee. One year later he underwent a third knee reconstruction. Prior to his first injury Schwarz was an athletic forward who was a potential match-winner for the Demons. After three knee reconstructions he changed his game and became a bullocking forward who hit the contests hard but lacked a yard of pace. If Schwarz had his time over again there is little doubt that he would opt to complete his full rehabilitation.
If Malceski breaks down again the Swans will be widely criticised (and deservedly so). Television footage of Malceski training has been less than convincing. His turning circle has increased significantly and he appears a little ginger when putting weight on his right knee. This will not improve quickly. The reason the Swans will be keen to play Malceski in the seniors this week is because they play Essendon. There is little doubt that the Swans will comfortably account for the Bombers. They mightn't want to pass up the opportunity to ease Malceski back into the pace of senior football.
The likes of KIeron Jack, Ed Barlow, Craig Bird and Jarrod Moore have injected youth and enthusiasm into the Swans line-up this year. However, given the fickle nature of the Sydney market, the team cannot afford to place their hopes in a group of youngsters. Michael O'Laughlin and Barry Hall are in their final two seasons (and Nick Davis is out of favour). Once they retire, the Swans will have to build a new forward line. It is possible that this is Paul Roos' last roll of the dice. He has already signalled his intention to hand the reigns over to his assistant - John Longmire - at some point. There is a good chance that Roos will go when Hall and O'Laughlin go. Clearly Roos sees Malceski as an integral part of the Swans line-up.
Last season Geelong took a gamble by sending injured utility Max Rooke to Germany to have revolutionary treatment on his hamstring - which allegedly included injecting horse hormones into the injured region. Rooke returned to the side later in the season and became a premiership player. Regardless of what happens with Rooke from here, the move will be considered a success. If Sydney win a premiership this season with Nick Malceski in the team - which is an extremely unlikely outcome - the surgery will be heralded as a stroke of genius. If he re-injures his right knee, Swans supporters will have every reason to be outraged.
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