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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/j ... 5807627183
ROUND 5, 2008. It's a long time ago in anyone's language, but for Jesse Smith it feels even longer.
That day 20 months ago was the last time the 23-year-old played an AFL game.
The chronic hamstring problems have been well documented, but Smith has emerged from the gloom in the hope a change of clubs will spark his revival.
After walking out on North Melbourne, Smith was snapped up by St Kilda in the draft with pick No. 60 in a massive gamble.
But Saints coach Ross Lyon said he would back his medical staff. "Our people are really confident they can expand his range of movement. We think we're going to get there," he said.
Smith has suffered six hamstring injuries in two years, limiting him to 27 games in five years for the club at which his father Ross was revered.
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"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated for the last two years," Smith said.
"Dave Misson (St Kilda strength and conditioning manager) has spoken to me a couple of times.
"It's not so much a conditioning thing. It's more my running style because I haven't had any soft-tissue injuries on my left leg.
"It's just about getting the right work through my leg, through my core and through my glutes."