Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
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Western Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis is set to play his first game in nearly nine months, when he lines up for the club's VFL side this weekend.
After breaking his leg in round 18 last year against St Kilda, Wallis' rehabilitation has been close to perfect and Fairfax Media understands he's almost certain to play against North Ballarat at the Whitten Oval on Friday night.
It was originally feared Wallis would be out for 12 months, but after a successful procedure by surgeon David Young, medical experts were hopeful he would face a reduced period on the sidelines.
Wallis has been training fully with the main squad for several weeks now and he only needs to get through a final session before being selected in the reserves.
The 24-year-old had been enjoying a strong season up until the injury, averaging 22 disposals and kicking 11 goals in his 17 games during 2016.
The in-and-under midfielder was then forced to miss out on the most remarkable period in the club's history, and has spoken at length about how being absent for the premiership will drive him to pursue future success.
"There's enough premiership photos and memorabilia around the joint that I get reminded about it every day, so it's making me push that much harder," Wallis said earlier this year.
"There's a few of us who did miss out, so there's plenty of people coming back into the side and making us a better club and looking forward."
Meantime, fellow Bulldog Stewart Crameri is also a chance to return to football through the VFL, although he may need one more week as he recovers from two separate hip injuries.
Apart from key forwards Travis Cloke and Jack Redpath, the Bulldogs have a strong squad to pick from for Friday night's blockbuster against Greater Western Sydney in what be a rematch of last year's epic preliminary final.
Caleb Daniel is again in the mix after a solid performance in the VFL last week. The diminutive midfield maestro was dropped after round three, following a breakout season in 2016 where he only missed one match and was a key player during the finals campaign.
Daniel had 24 disposals and kicked a goal the last time these two sides met, as he helped propel the Dogs into a history making grand final.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Apart from key forwards Travis Cloke and Jack Redpath, the Bulldogs have a strong squad to pick from for Friday night's blockbuster against Greater Western Sydney in what be a rematch of last year's epic preliminary final.
Must have been written by the correspondent from Yorkshire.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
I can't watch the footage of his injury still. I can't believe he's back so soon. There's going to be even more pressure for a midfield spot with a fit and motivated Wally pushing hard.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Apart from Redpath and Cloke ? Is this writer another Fill in ? Dickson, Roughead, Morris.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bulldogtragic
I can't watch the footage of his injury still. I can't believe he's back so soon. There's going to be even more pressure for a midfield spot with a fit and motivated Wally pushing hard.
He played forward quite a bit too - I wonder if the player he's putting the most pressure on for a spot is Clay Smith?
He will take a while to get match fit given no pre-season
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mofra
He played forward quite a bit too - I wonder if the player he's putting the most pressure on for a spot is Clay Smith?
He will take a while to get match fit given no pre-season
Could be. He's an upgrade when fit in that he could do more minutes in the midfield than Clay. I guess the question is whether Wally can bring the tecklung intensity that Smith brings.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Such great news. On ya Walli!
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ledge
Apart from Redpath and Cloke ? Is this writer another Fill in ? Dickson, Roughead, Morris.
Written by Sam McClure.. Should we expect anything better from?
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Dickson back this week too.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
comrade
Dickson back this week too.
Wants a bag of 20 apparently, good week to come back.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bulldogtragic
Wants a bag of 20 apparently, good week to come back.
Fergus Greene might have something to say about that.
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Settle down everyone. There will be a bag of 20 for everyone!
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Inspiring footballer Wallis
Drives himself and the team forward - wants it more than most players and thats what you see on the ground
Heres hoping for a successful comeback
Re: Bulldog bites back: Mitch Wallis set to play for first time since July
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bulldog Revolution
Inspiring footballer Wallis
Drives himself and the team forward - wants it more than most players and thats what you see on the ground
Heres hoping for a successful comeback
We are getting stronger as a team.
