Injury List - 2015

[bornadog]

Dogs head into Christmas break with near full list in training

Early signs suggest the Bulldogs are on track to have close to a full playing list available for round one, with several players making promising starts to their preseason campaigns after post-season surgeries.


Jordan Roughead and Fletcher Roberts both underwent shoulder reconstructions at the conclusion of the season, and have resumed training.


Speaking with the Herald Sun, General Manager of Football Graham Lowe said he was confident they would be able to fulfil the majority of their pre-season obligations.


“Jordan and Fletcher are progressing well from their post-season shoulder surgeries and have resumed training. Both were able to complete good levels of endurance-based work through the early stages of their rehabilitation, which will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the pre-season program.”


Roughead injured his shoulder in the round three win against Richmond and battled bravely through the season, missing just two games, and averaging 11 disposals at 82.5 per cent.


Roberts spent most of the year in the VFL honing his defensive craft, but starred late in the year up forward with a match-winning performance in the final round, kicking a goal from outside 50m after the siren to secure a home final.


2013 draftee Matt Fuller and Clay Smith were the other two Bulldogs to undergo post-season surgery.


“Matt Fuller who also had post-season shoulder surgery is not too far behind and is on schedule to commence full-contact training next week,” Lowe said.


At this stage, Smith will be the only Bulldog not in full training after Christmas, after an ACL injury sidelined him for the second half of the season.


“Clay Smith is tracking well in his recovery from an ACL repair back in July. He has started straight line running, and most importantly for us, he is pulling up well from those sessions.”


The Bulldogs playing group will break on 19 December for the Christmas period, and will resume back training early in January.

Link

[bulldogtragic]

Thanks BAD. I'm not used to a preseason report that doesn't say "Sean Higgins is also firing fit and showing signs this preseason of just why he was a top draft pick and so highly rated".

[bornadog]

Thanks BAD. I'm not used to a preseason report that doesn't say "Sean Higgins is also firing fit and showing signs this preseason of just why he was a top draft pick and so highly rated".

Those words are on the North website.

[Remi Moses]

Gee no wonder Roughy looked so woeful a lot of last season

[Bulldog4life]

Gee no wonder Roughy looked so woeful a lot of last season

Yes each time he dragged himself off the canvas the poor bugger seemed to be always wincing with pain.

[Mantis]

Yes each time he dragged himself off the canvas the poor bugger seemed to be always wincing with pain.

Our decison to continue to play him still eats at me.. Horrible player management.

[bulldogtragic]

Our decison to continue to play him still eats at me.. Horrible player management.

Anyone is particular? Ie Doctor, player, coach, MC etc.

[Axe Man]

Anyone is particular? Ie Doctor, player, coach, MC etc.

The pyhsio got the boot at the end of the season didn't he? Maybe it was his fault?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Our decison to continue to play him still eats at me.. Horrible player management.

Yep - it was ridiculous. Never seen a player go down so often and cringe in pain, yet still keep playing through the injury.

[Remi Moses]

Yep - it was ridiculous. Never seen a player go down so often and cringe in pain, yet still keep playing through the injury.

It was totally silly and wouldn't have done the young mans confidence much good.
We were no chance for finals, yet he basically played the season out.

[F'scary]

Perhaps Roughead may have declared himself fit to play each week, apparently he is viewed as a leadership type at the club - this is probably evidence of why he is. He put the team ahead of his own pain.

[Cyberdoggie]

Our decison to continue to play him still eats at me.. Horrible player management.

I think he's only done about 1 pre-season with us that didn't involve limited work due to his shoulders.
You would think that would limit the guys chances to develop his body somewhat.

[bornadog]

Clay Smith on the up as he returns from injury

Geelong's Joel Corey attempts to tackle Western Bulldog's Clay Smith during the 2013 AFL round 05 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on April 27, 2013. (Photo: David Callow/AFL Media)

Western Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith is back on the training track after challenging 18 months of injury setbacks.

After returning to football in April last year after Smith ruptured the ACL in his right knee, he then injured the AC joint in his shoulder in his return to the senior side in round 10 and two months later reinjured his ACL in a VFL match.

Smith, now in his 25th week of rehabilitation since injuring his ACL, has completed four weeks of high end speed training and has now commenced straight line football skills.

Bulldogs Head Physiotherapist Chris Bell says the way he has conducted himself is a credit to the 21-year-old.

“He has been incredibly diligent, focused and enthusiastic towards his rehabilitation.

“Clay continues to absolutely apply himself to every aspect of his rehab, always pushing the boundaries of his training restrictions, and striving for excellence in the gym and on the track.”

Smith recently finished fourth in the Club’s two kilometre time trial and is set to start controlled football training in early February.

“Clay has embraced the physical and mental challenges of being in long term rehab, and continues to attack each day with enthusiasm and ferocity.”

[Go_Dogs]

Really wish Clay all the best for the remainder of his career. You won't find a more determined, ferocious bloke anywhere.

[F'scary]

Good news on Smith but he shouldn't be rushed back, might be best if he just builds slowly in the VFL starting from about mid season at the earliest.

He is a top extractor in the middle and at stoppages, he has shown he can play other positions as well, particularly in the forward line. There certainly is a place for him in our best 22 when he is cherry ripe to go again.