Marns
9 Oct 2007, 11:18
Rivers flowing again
5:32 PM Mon 8 October, 2007 | Back (javascript:history.go(-1);)
By Luke Holmesby
for melbournefc.com.au
JARED Rivers began his 2008 campaign before everyone else had even finished their 2007.
The 22-year-old had plenty of time to think about next year after succumbing to a groin injury that restricted him to just three senior games for the season.
While laying on the medical table as his team battled through a forgettable season, Rivers was already planning for next year.
"I had an operation three months ago so I'm going to start pre-season a bit earlier and hopefully get a bit of fitness up before the boys get back into it," Rivers said.
"I've missed so much football and I want to be a lot fitter than I was last year."
The tall defender and 2004 AFL Rising Star was sorely missed by the Demons, who were regularly plugging holes in defence.
In a year where Rivers was expected to establish himself as one of the competition's leading backmen, Rivers' season barely got off the ground before he had written it off.
But a new season and a new coach in Dean Bailey brings new hope to the man many have ranked one of the best young defenders in the game.
"The best thing about having a new coach is that everyone's on a level playing field. You've got to try to impress Dean, Chris Connolly and the new assistants so it is good to get a fresh start," he said.
Rivers believes the introduction of Bailey could be just what the Demons needed.
"We had a bit of a debrief on the Wednesday after the season.
"I think he's gone around to a few players and had a chat and told them his expectations for the season so we'll know exactly what's required of us before pre-season training kicks off."
Good to see he's up and running. Let's start praying that he can stay fit.
5:32 PM Mon 8 October, 2007 | Back (javascript:history.go(-1);)
By Luke Holmesby
for melbournefc.com.au
JARED Rivers began his 2008 campaign before everyone else had even finished their 2007.
The 22-year-old had plenty of time to think about next year after succumbing to a groin injury that restricted him to just three senior games for the season.
While laying on the medical table as his team battled through a forgettable season, Rivers was already planning for next year.
"I had an operation three months ago so I'm going to start pre-season a bit earlier and hopefully get a bit of fitness up before the boys get back into it," Rivers said.
"I've missed so much football and I want to be a lot fitter than I was last year."
The tall defender and 2004 AFL Rising Star was sorely missed by the Demons, who were regularly plugging holes in defence.
In a year where Rivers was expected to establish himself as one of the competition's leading backmen, Rivers' season barely got off the ground before he had written it off.
But a new season and a new coach in Dean Bailey brings new hope to the man many have ranked one of the best young defenders in the game.
"The best thing about having a new coach is that everyone's on a level playing field. You've got to try to impress Dean, Chris Connolly and the new assistants so it is good to get a fresh start," he said.
Rivers believes the introduction of Bailey could be just what the Demons needed.
"We had a bit of a debrief on the Wednesday after the season.
"I think he's gone around to a few players and had a chat and told them his expectations for the season so we'll know exactly what's required of us before pre-season training kicks off."
Good to see he's up and running. Let's start praying that he can stay fit.