Taj Wyburd could be back playing within four weeks after the Ocean Grove recruit escaped serious damage to his lower leg during an appearance with Geelong’s VFL team earlier this month.
Wyburd was forced from the field during the Cats’ loss to the GWS Giants on May 11, with the 21-year-old fearing a syndesmosis injury.
However, scans last week have come back better than Wyburd expected, with only one ankle ligament significantly impacted.
“When I hit the deck, I heard a little pop, which is not the greatest sound to hear,” he said.
“All the thoughts just go running through your head… you think the worst. “”
“But as the week goes on, your mind clears about it. And getting reassurance from the doc and physios is always pretty good.”
A premiership player with WAFL Peel Thunder, Wyburd’s grandparents live in Ocean Grove, resulting in him joining the Grubbers.
And despite the injury setback, he’s settling in well following his move across the Nullarbor, via a holiday in Japan, earlier in the year.
“I’m living with my nan and pa at the minute, which is quite interesting, but I love it,” Wyburd said.
“Everyone around, especially in the Geelong community and the Ocean Grove community, are just such great people, which makes it so much easier.
“It’s a pretty area on the Bellarine, so I’m pretty stoked with where I’m living.
“It’s been great so far.”
Wyburd has also enjoyed the chance to turn out for Ocean Grove, making three appearances in red and white.
“I haven’t played local footy for a while; the system over in Perth is a bit different,” he said.
“I was impressed. A lot of good young kids, probably ages 18 to 23, are playing some great footy.
“It’s a shame that there is only that one level of VFL side where back home there’s a reserves comp that just gives a bit more guys opportunity, which I reckon would help a couple of them younger guys out.”
Like so many players on VFL lists, Wyburd still has ambitions of playing AFL.
However, he is also realistic in knowing there is a significant jump to make it to the elite level.
“Everyone dreams of the AFL, but there’s also a reality to that at the same time,” he said.
“I know where I stand, (and) I know what I need to work on.
“(But) I just really enjoy playing footy. It’s all about the love for me.
“Wherever I’m playing, it doesn’t really matter. Obviously, you would love to play the highest level.
“But as long as I’ve got a smile on my face and kicking a footy around and making a couple of mates while doing it, that’s really what really matters to me.”
X: @krockfootball
