Michael Johnson – It was a significant injury; he was kneed in the back against Brisbane (in round 22). He played the following week (against Port Adelaide) under real duress. He has had slight back surgery. He’ll be the longest but he’s going along quite well.
Zac Clarke – He had a (knee) meniscus repair. It won’t put him back too far at all, but it was significant. He carried it during the year but the impact it had on him physically was negligible. It was a wear and tear issue so he had it fixed.
Max Duffy and Garrick Ibbotson – Both had shoulder stabilisation surgery. They’ll be in full training and competitive work by the middle of December.
Colin Sylvia – Had an ankle impingement that was affecting his soft tissue because of range of movement. They (surgeons) removed what they needed to free up the range of movement. He’ll take a little while to get going but we’re optimistic he’ll be in full training post-Christmas.
Lyon said it was the club's aim every season to have as many players as possible on the track after the festive holiday.
“In the previous couple of years we’ve always had a couple that haven’t been able to get back until February,” the senior coach said.
“But as it sits now, my understanding is that everyone post-Christmas will be in full training.
“If there’s a hiccup on the way, that might change, but if you’re in full training post-Christmas, you’re going to get to the line pretty fit and available.”
