Torquay spearhead Lucas Anderson successfully negotiated training last night and will make his highly-anticipated return from a knee reconstruction in tomorrow’s clash with the improving Portarlington at McCartney Oval.
The two-time BFNL leading goalkicker and 2023 Ash Medal runner-up hasn’t played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 4 last year.
After undergoing minor surgery in April, the 33-year-old has been given the all clear to take the field.
“I’m feeling good; excited now,” Anderson said.
“There always is a little bit of doubt leading up to it, but a good hit out this week with some match sim at training, and a few heavy knocks and that, gets your body rearing to go.
“The wait’s over – thank God.”
Anderson confirmed he’ll play managed minutes against the Demons.
“We’ll aim to play probably 50-60 per cent over the four quarters, which has been advised by physios and strength and conditioning guys that I’ve been seeing,” he said.
“Dom (Gleeson), to be able to trust me with that is something that I respect massively and hope that I can repay the favour to him.”
Despite being closer to the end than the start of his career, Anderson’s return is no ‘Last Dance’ scenario.
“I reckon I can get three or four years out of my body, given it holds up,” he said.
“I still feel young and still love it. So, I don’t think the end’s anywhere near, hopefully.”
Portarlington has suffered a blow, with talisman Teia Miles, acting captain Max Ruiter, and former skipper Steve Walton all missing through injury.
Miles, who kicked the match-winning goal in last week’s come-from-behind win over Modewarre, has a minor knee issue that the Demons hope will only sideline him for a week, while Ruiter (ankle) and Walton (hamstring) won’t be seen again until after the bye.
They’ve been replaced by Leopold recruit Nick Lane, James Goetz and Josh Jones.
Former Geelong VFL player Tom Panuccio will captain the Demons.
Drysdale will regain star defender Luke Preece but lost the experienced Lauchie Dalgleish for its crucial clash with Anglesea at Ellimatta Reserve.
Preece was a late withdrawal from last week’s win over Queenscliff after being the at-ground emergency for VFL club Werribee.
Dalgleish suffered a hamstring injury against the Coutas and won’t return until after next month’s bye.
Ladder leader Geelong Amateur and finals hopefuls Barwon Heads at Queens Park.
Joe Maishman, Hamish Shepheard and Jack Pickering return for Ammos, who have also recalled Charlie Richmond and will debut Tom Ward.
They replace injured star midfielder Blake Sutterby (calf), co-captain Liam Cogan (groin), Patrick Ryan, Nick Maishman and Xavier Muhor
Damian McMahon, Mitch Herbison, Sammy Baker and Cam O’Leary are back for the Seagulls, with Ben O’Sullivan to make his first senior appearance of the season and under-18 Ollie Cincotta to debut.
Cincotta is the brother of Joe from Queenscliff.
They replace injured trio Zach Walter (bicep), Darcy Griffin (calf) and Kallum Hinchliffe (adductor), and unavailable pair Ryan Harvey and Harry Hyland.
Full of confidence after upsetting Anglesea last start, Ocean Grove will head to Queenscliff looking to cause another boilover at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
And the Grubbers’ hopes of beating the Coutas have been strengthened by the inclusion of Geelong VFL big man Kye Annand and former captain Joe McDonald.
However, Tyson Ruck will be missing.
Queenscliff welcomes back Will Baker, Joe Cincotta and Jordy Monahan.
Ruck Zack May returns for Modewarre ahead of its meeting with Newcomb at Mt Moriac Reserve.
He replaces Baxter Anderson.
More to come
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