southerncross
09-05-2007, 05:25 AM
Murphy's exit opens door for Hahn (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/murphys-exit-opens-door-for-hahn/2007/05/08/1178390303099.html)
A HAMSTRING injury to Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy could hasten the return of Mitch Hahn after another impressive performance in the VFL last weekend.
Hahn, one of five Bulldogs who had knee reconstructions last year, has spent a month playing with Werribee and Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said "he's not far away" from a return.
"Certainly now that Murph's out, he's in the frame," Eade said yesterday. "He was close to best on ground at the weekend and his form and confidence in his body is really improving, so he'll come into real contention this week."
Eade confirmed that Murphy, who made a promising return from knee surgery, will be sidelined for three weeks after tearing his hamstring during the club's 15-point loss to West Coast.
He also said Brett Montgomery, who has not played since injuring his ribs in round one, was still several weeks away from playing at any level after developing neck pain.
"He's struggled a bit, he had that knock and his neck is a bit sore," Eade said. "We've taken precautions with that … he hasn't played since then and we don't know how long he'll be … we don't want his career in jeopardy or his quality of life after footy."
After a spate of serious injuries last year, the Dogs have escaped major injuries this year, but the loss of Montgomery's experience and hardness until possibly the second half of the season is significant.
The 33-year-old was on the receiving end of a heavy bump from Collingwood's Brodie Holland in last year's elimination final, but sprang back up to boot four goals in a dominant performance.
Former Brisbane Lion Jason Akermanis completed yesterday's skills session at Whitten Oval and Eade said he expected the Brownlow medallist's form to improve with more time on the ground.
The 30-year-old had an interrupted pre-season with a hamstring complaint and is yet to impose his usual flair or match-winning skills on a game this year.
"I said last week he'll need another two or three weeks to really get back to what we know he can do. It's just continuity and getting trust in his body," Eade said.
"All good players set standards for what they want to achieve, Jason showed a little bit on the weekend, especially early, when he was very good.
"Any person who sets high standards is going to want to (reach) those standards again. I don't think he's far away."
A HAMSTRING injury to Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy could hasten the return of Mitch Hahn after another impressive performance in the VFL last weekend.
Hahn, one of five Bulldogs who had knee reconstructions last year, has spent a month playing with Werribee and Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said "he's not far away" from a return.
"Certainly now that Murph's out, he's in the frame," Eade said yesterday. "He was close to best on ground at the weekend and his form and confidence in his body is really improving, so he'll come into real contention this week."
Eade confirmed that Murphy, who made a promising return from knee surgery, will be sidelined for three weeks after tearing his hamstring during the club's 15-point loss to West Coast.
He also said Brett Montgomery, who has not played since injuring his ribs in round one, was still several weeks away from playing at any level after developing neck pain.
"He's struggled a bit, he had that knock and his neck is a bit sore," Eade said. "We've taken precautions with that … he hasn't played since then and we don't know how long he'll be … we don't want his career in jeopardy or his quality of life after footy."
After a spate of serious injuries last year, the Dogs have escaped major injuries this year, but the loss of Montgomery's experience and hardness until possibly the second half of the season is significant.
The 33-year-old was on the receiving end of a heavy bump from Collingwood's Brodie Holland in last year's elimination final, but sprang back up to boot four goals in a dominant performance.
Former Brisbane Lion Jason Akermanis completed yesterday's skills session at Whitten Oval and Eade said he expected the Brownlow medallist's form to improve with more time on the ground.
The 30-year-old had an interrupted pre-season with a hamstring complaint and is yet to impose his usual flair or match-winning skills on a game this year.
"I said last week he'll need another two or three weeks to really get back to what we know he can do. It's just continuity and getting trust in his body," Eade said.
"All good players set standards for what they want to achieve, Jason showed a little bit on the weekend, especially early, when he was very good.
"Any person who sets high standards is going to want to (reach) those standards again. I don't think he's far away."