Joey and the old man injury

[terry smith rules]

Any of us past the age of 30 and who were still playing sport know how a calf injury can really take a toll.

At 33 years of age and as a player who relies on his running, a calf injury preseason sounds warning bells

I would think that he will be managed strongly this year and would play maybe 12-14 games, keeping him fresh for september? I could be wrong but have had many calf injuries and understand the issues

On the other hand it may open the door for someone

fqf

[White Winmar]

Any of us past the age of 30 and who were still playing sport know how a calf injury can really take a toll.

At 33 years of age and as a player who relies on his running, a calf injury preseason sounds warning bells

I would think that he will be managed strongly this year and would play maybe 12-14 games, keeping him fresh for september? I could be wrong but have had many calf injuries and understand the issues

On the other hand it may open the door for someone

fqf

I'm afraid you may be right, TSR. Often the death knell for a career of the older gentleman. I hope not, as Joey still has a lot to contribute, but he's already under pressure for his spot with DMac, White, Webster, Steele et al. Interesting to note Jaxons (aka Nathan Burke) did not have him in his "locks" for round one. Hmmm.........

[Spinner]

Any of us past the age of 30 and who were still playing sport know how a calf injury can really take a toll.

At 33 years of age and as a player who relies on his running, a calf injury preseason sounds warning bells

I would think that he will be managed strongly this year and would play maybe 12-14 games, keeping him fresh for september? I could be wrong but have had many calf injuries and understand the issues

On the other hand it may open the door for someone

fqf

I'm afraid you may be right, TSR. Often the death knell for a career of the older gentleman. I hope not, as Joey still has a lot to contribute, but he's already under pressure for his spot with DMac, White, Webster, Steele et al. Interesting to note Jaxons (aka Nathan Burke) did not have him in his "locks" for round one. Hmmm.........

Is he really Nathan Burke???!!! Fantastic!

[mr six o'clock]

I'm Nathan Burke
and so is my wife

[White Winmar]

Another she's not. I'm Nathan Burke.

[magnifisaint]

You're both wrong. I'm Nathan Burke!

[gurubob101]

Any of us past the age of 30 and who were still playing sport know how a calf injury can really take a toll.

At 33 years of age and as a player who relies on his running, a calf injury preseason sounds warning bells

I would think that he will be managed strongly this year and would play maybe 12-14 games, keeping him fresh for september? I could be wrong but have had many calf injuries and understand the issues

On the other hand it may open the door for someone

fqf

A.Hammill 2 weeks

[noddy04]

I have the same birth date as Nathan Burke so I am Nathan Burke

[dragit]

Hopefully not, he's played 240+ games in the last 11 seasons with a few suspensions in there so he's pretty resilient.

Some opportunity for younger blokes won't hurt though, as it's going to be hard to crack the ones this year.

[BigMart]

Young people do calf muscles too, recovery time is the same... old players are more vulnerable to any soft tissue injury, just because elasticity in skeletal muscle lessens

Joey will be fine

[Bluthy]

Richo hasn't really been much of rotation guy with his core and older players. Joey would still be one of the first picked by Richo I reckon due to his ability to kick penetrating from the back and get through tough zones. Unless Billings or White or Rice or Mckenzie really comes on in that role they still need him doing that.

But I agree resting some of the oldies like Demps & Gilbo (would we even dare to say Rooey?) would keep them fresh and give some others a chance who are playing really strong footy at VFL level. Just can't see Richo doing it.