AARON Black has set himself to return to action from a serious knee injury ahead of Geelong’s opening round VFL clash with Richmond.
Black, who was delisted from the Cats’ AFL list at the end of 2018 after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against former club North Melbourne in Round 12, remains at GMHBA Stadium in a variety of roles.
Not only will he play at state league level, but Black will also be a development coach with the VFL squad and is an assistant coach with Geelong’s AFLW team.
“I love the Geelong footy club and being down here. Living down here, it’s a good lifestyle,” he said.
“I was doing everything I could to annoy everyone and just hang around a bit longer.”
The 28-year-old damaged his knee in early June and is targetting the final practice match in late March for his return.
He says a lack of swelling from the injury meant he could start rehabilitation just a fortnight after undergoing surgery.
“Whereas some people wait four-to-six weeks before they can start doing that,” Black said.
“It was just lucky I didn’t swell up too much and I could get stuck into it.”
Having played plenty of VFL football during his 57-game AFL career, Black is keen to play a role as a conduit for teammates and coaches.
“It can be hard sometimes for AFL guys just getting to know people around the club with the VFL and for the VFL coaches getting to know the players – I can be that in-between person,” he said.
As for which local club Black aligns himself with, a decision is expected in the New Year.
(I’m) close. But I’m still working through a few things off the field, in terms of jobs and things like that,” he said.
“Once I get my job sorted, then I’ll look for a local club.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
