Past #27: Will Walker - delisted end '21 - 6 NM games/4 NM goals - go well Walks

[tazaa]

Not like North to misjudge rehab times

I honestly wonder whether we have enough staff and resources available to find s**t like this early and deal with it.

It reeks of incompetence for a professional organization.

How can we get it so wrong so often?

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Not like North to misjudge rehab times

I honestly wonder whether we have enough staff and resources available to find s**t like this early and deal with it.

It reeks of incompetence for a professional organization.

How can we get it so wrong so often?

By the sounds of things, that falls on the first specialist. The medical staff were doing the right thing by consulting him (because he completed the surgery) but assumed the stress fracture would be fine.

A simple scan prior to increasing his training loads would have picked up the stress fracture and probably saved Will 6 months on the sidelines.

I just desperately want our juniors to get a clear run at it on the injury front

 

[pupstar]

Not like North to misjudge rehab times

I honestly wonder whether we have enough staff and resources available to find s**t like this early and deal with it.

It reeks of incompetence for a professional organization.

How can we get it so wrong so often?

What players and what injuries are you referring to when you say how can we get it wrong so often. Jacobs aside which is a complex matter I cannot think of to many to start calling it incompetence. All clubs are in the same boat at some stage.

 

[Val Keating]

I don't think it is that easy, you have to look at what calibre of talent you have coming in to replace them, how confident the medical staff are about getting a player back to 100%, how much time they have left and how much natural attrition there might be on the list over the next few years.

Walker is still 20 years old, he is only a few months older than LDU, LDU has played 17 more games but he has been carried a fair bit in lesser roles so I am not sure he is massively behind him in terms of development despite the amount of time he has been injured. I'd persist with him even if 2020 was a bust.

Jacobs turns 28 in January, he obviously doesn't have a massive amount of time left and his only full season was in 2015 and has played 20 games since that season, I think he is the most under threat but on the plus side for him we haven't been able to fill his role.

EVW is 23, turns 24 in March around the start of the season, but has only played 15 games. He would be in moderate danger if he struggles to stay on the park, especially if in his absence other players cement defensive positions. Most that are a potential threat to him haven't really cemented a defensive position, i think the biggest threat to him would be another serious LTI.

I think we will hit a hump in a few years time, 2-3 odd years, where we will likely have a lot of retirements in a relatively short period of time with the group that is currently 27-31. While people look at our injured players and say we hold on to them too long because there hasn't been a lot of pressure, the same can be said for our mature players who haven't been consistent to a high standard. We have 15 players 27+: Higgins, Goldstein, Tarrant, Hall, Ziebell, Daw, Pittard, Cunnington, Campbell, Jacobs, Atley, Polec, Walker and Brown. The teams that content tend to have a lot more younger players playing fringe roles, the squeeze should come more from low ceiling mature players rather than higher ceiling injured players imo. We went with safe under Laidley and Scott, it is why we ended up here.

Good post Tas

 

[shinboner magic]

'I haven't proven anything': Young Roo's mission

To Will Walker, you can't be forgotten if you're a never-was

www.afl.com.au

'I haven't proven anything': Young Roo's mission
To Will Walker, you can't be forgotten if you're a never-was

By Marc McGowan -

TO WILL Walker, you can't be forgotten if you're a never-was.

North Melbourne's four-gamer – on the way back from a long-term knee injury – says he hasn't "done anything" and doesn't yet deserve to be mentioned among the Roos' batch of young guns.

That group includes this year's four NAB AFL Rising Star nominees Bailey Scott, Cameron Zurhaar, Nick Larkey and Tarryn Thomas, as well as Jy Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke.






Walker, a second-round draft pick in 2017, was tracking well in his first season last year, and had nine disposals and a goal inside a quarter against Adelaide in his most-recent match 16 months ago.

The 20-year-old soccer convert's day ended early, when he landed awkwardly flying for a mark.
Walker hyper-extended his left knee, suffering low-grade PCL damage, a compression fracture of the tibia and a joint capsule tear.


It was round 22, North didn't make the finals and the initial prognosis was he would be ready for the start of pre-season training. So, no big deal, right?

In hindsight, that was far too optimistic.
Walker progressed more slowly than expected on the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill but post-Christmas he started over-the-ground running and increased up to 4km a session.

"The specialist we saw was more focused on rehabbing the PCL," Walker told AFL.com.au this week.

"By the time the PCL had healed; we believed the bone and the capsule would have healed and be strong enough to train and do decent running loads. It wasn't the case in the end.

"The way it panned out was the PCL healed well … and it was actually the tibia bone, where the compression fracture was, that was the one holding it back.
"I pretty much got cleared to run, put it this way, too early, before my bone was ready to take the loading."
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
Walker, for his part, felt soreness for "probably one or two sessions" before he told the Roos' medical staff, and he says now what eventuated was "no single person's fault".
A subsequent check-up provided the bad news: he had developed a serious stress reaction in his tibia and was back to square one, only weeks out from round one.
"I remember the first week I did it. I wouldn't say I hated footy … but I just got very jealous of the boys who had it and I just wished that was me so badly," Walker said.
"I probably got over that stuff two or three rounds in. It was like, 'What's the point of sitting here getting jealous and worrying about what other people are doing?'.

Walker's season wasn't over at that stage but he and North Melbourne learned from the first time around and were even more cautious.
They took a more objective approach, trusting the scans more than Walker's pain levels – although it was still a combination – and booking them in every six weeks or so.
A different specialist, Dr David Spurrier, also offered a different philosophy on running loads.
"We literally started in the gym, with very low-level stuff. I was standing on one leg, just moving some weights around," Walker said.
The forward-midfielder used this time to get stronger in the gym, and he's added about 3kg of muscle to what he concedes is still a slight frame, and watch a heap of game vision to develop his craft.

Walker even completed his level-two coaching accreditation with a handful of other Kangaroos, including practical experience with his local club Hampton Rovers' under-19 side.
He might even undertake the level-three course in the future, admitting he had caught the coaching bug.
Walker has also grown close with injured teammate Ed Vickers-Willis, who is on the road back from an ACL setback and has been a regular rehabilitation partner.
They went to Europe together in the off-season and just so happen to both be studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.
WATCH The best match-winning goals of the decade
But, most importantly, where is Walker at now?
"I haven't had any knee or tibia soreness for probably a month, which is the first time since I've done the knee that I haven't been sore, which is really good," he said.
"We're getting scans every six weeks and the last two we've had have been very positive.
"I wouldn't say I'm 100 per cent in the clear, because I haven't started playing games yet, but I feel really good with my body and my knee's feeling very strong and my leg's feeling great."

Walker does stationary skills with his teammates, then transitions back to the rehab group, where he is again reaching 4km per session.
It's "unlikely" he will resume full training straight after the Christmas break but he hopes to by late January or early February and plans to be playing in the Marsh Community Series.
"By the time I'm fully training, I'd expect to play a full game," Walker said.
"The rehab program we do is so structured and well set up to build you to that.
"By the time you're building to a full pre-season session, which is anywhere from 10-15km, with a lot of high-speed running, change of direction and physical contact, that's almost the equivalent of what you get in a game."
Walker is proud of his four senior games to date but points out his first was dual Syd Barker medallist Shaun Higgins' 200th, so there is plenty more to do.

And don't coddle him about that breakout quarter against Adelaide.

"People say, 'You were playing so well'. I had a good quarter – who cares? People have a good quarter every week. People have four good quarters," Walker said.

"People like Dustin Martin have four good quarters 20 of 23 weeks, so who cares that some young kid's played one good quarter?

I haven't proven anything to myself or anybody else.

"But the biggest thing that drives me is to play with the boys. I feel like we have a great young core and a lot of success to look forward to."

So level headed

 

[Snake_Baker]

So level headed

This used to be called "normal".

He must have been immune to the contemporary entitlement programming.

 

[Passmore]

The kid has as a high a ceiling as anyone on the list not named Tarryn Thomas. I highly doubt his spot on the list is under any immediate threat.

We'll rightly play the long game with him and reap the rewards.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[TerryWallet]

That seems like a positive article on Will's progress finally. Sounds like it is 6 months delayed because of a specialist diagnosis overlook, but it sounds like he should be fine now going forward.

It will be good to see his talent back on the park next year. He's got flair. A bit of "get ya off ya seat" about him.

Frustrating what can go wrong from specialist surgery. I know i've had frustrations myself, but you kinda think these AFL players get the very best specialists and care and can't quite fathom when things go a bit awry. But the medical biz and surgery and recovery is still always chancy. Look at bloody Charlie Curnow for us. There have been unofficial confirmed reports that his latest knee setback was as a result of the screws being put in the wrong way in the initial surgery and when he fell recently, the support wasn't there and his kneecap cracked.

Headscratching sometimes how these things happen with supposedly the best care available being used.

Anyways, good to see some good info finally about Will after i was only asking last week.

 

[tazaa]

What players and what injuries are you referring to when you say how can we get it wrong so often. Jacobs aside which is a complex matter I cannot think of to many to start calling it incompetence. All clubs are in the same boat at some stage.

Majak over the years, Jacobs, Garner, Wright, Harper, Walker, Black just on the top of my head. All have missed large chunks of football

 

[Firestarter]

Majak over the years, Jacobs, Garner, Wright, Harper, Walker, Black just on the top of my head. All have missed large chunks of football

Curran never got going but was that our fault? (Actually asking)

 

[Wayne Campbell]

He sounds hungry

 

[pupstar]

Majak over the years, Jacobs, Garner, Wright, Harper, Walker, Black just on the top of my head. All have missed large chunks of football

Yeah correct on each player but not sure any of them are through incompetence unless I missed something.

 

[Snake_Baker]

The kid has the requisite talent. I just want to see that he's gotten over this setback. So many good kids are lost to injury these days. It's the elephant in the AFL room.

 

[shinboner magic]

The kid has the requisite talent. I just want to see that he's gotten over this setback. So many good kids are lost to injury these days. It's the elephant in the AFL room.

Think our young players over the years have copped a fair few injuries.
Would think it’d be on the high end compared to other clubs

 

[hsquid]

Majak over the years, Jacobs, Garner, Wright, Harper, Walker, Black just on the top of my head. All have missed large chunks of football

Tarrant, EVW, Cam Delaney, He-who-shall-not-be-mentioned...
Not necessarily all our fault but a half-decent run would be nice.

 

[BigBadByron]

Doing a coaching course and putting in hard at the gym on body whilst off.

All he can to maximise his rehabilitation.

Other North players both past and present could take note on that professionalism.

 

[tazaa]

Yeah correct on each player but not sure any of them are through incompetence unless I missed something.

I’d hardly think a player will come out and rubbish the club publicly and or the club medicos.
But player in rehab follow the club’s directions and even if they follow it impartially it still shouldn’t result in such dramatic setbacks.
JWS is the only one who came out and publicly stated our medical team was no good.
Went to St Kilda and was gone in 12 months.
Look at Danniher at *
He seriously believes the medical staff are detrimental to his future.

I just don’t know what it is with our young players that has them mis-managed so poorly

 

[Tas]

Not like North to misjudge rehab times

I honestly wonder whether we have enough staff and resources available to find s**t like this early and deal with it.

It reeks of incompetence for a professional organization.

How can we get it so wrong so often?

I think we spent more on the football department the last few years than teams like Essendon and Carlton have, all clubs pend around the same mark nowadays, the soft cap has prevented rich clubs spending excessively. We have had a lot of injuries that aren't soft tissue related, not sure how much you can prevent players breaking bones, having sinus issues, get an LTI opening a bag of chips, etc. I think if there was an exact science to injury prevention, those that had the knowledge would make a fortune in sports a lot more lucrative than the AFL.

 

[Waussie]

The old 'I played a great 1/4 of footy ....

Sounds like the Garner and Lmac files ...but but but I played a great quarter ....remember when ....

WW sounds like he has his head screwed on properly and is not satisfied with 'a great quarter of footy every 5 years'.

I am happy to back WW in.

Love his attitude, not settling for less than the best.

 

[tazaa]

I think we spent more on the football department the last few years than teams like Essendon and Carlton have, all clubs pend around the same mark nowadays, the soft cap has prevented rich clubs spending excessively. We have had a lot of injuries that aren't soft tissue related, not sure how much you can prevent players breaking bones, having sinus issues, get an LTI opening a bag of chips, etc. I think if there was an exact science to injury prevention, those that had the knowledge would make a fortune in sports a lot more lucrative than the AFL.

My post was in relation moreso to rehabilitation and diagnosis rather than injury prevention.
We just don’t Get young players back without any setbacks or long lasting effects that sees them miss months of football.

I mean McDonald had his injury in July?
It’s December and he’s still cooked. Yeh broken legs are serious but the recovery time has been on the higher end. Whether it’s conservatism or whatnot I’d argue clubs should be putting more time and effort into studying recovery times rather than injury prevention. We seem way off where we should be

 

[pupstar]

I’d hardly think a player will come out and rubbish the club publicly and or the club medicos.
But player in rehab follow the club’s directions and even if they follow it impartially it still shouldn’t result in such dramatic setbacks.
JWS is the only one who came out and publicly stated our medical team was no good.
Went to St Kilda and was gone in 12 months.
Look at Danniher at *
He seriously believes the medical staff are detrimental to his future.

I just don’t know what it is with our young players that has them mis-managed so poorly

We obviously want the same thing our players not to get injured and when they do to get the best rehab possible and be back playing footy. I just think our club is no worse than any other club. Look at the reoccurring soft tissue injuries at Collingwood Crows and the bombers the last two years for example I think it sometimes comes down to a bit of luck. It jus seems to me we are having a bit of bad luck with our young blokes no different to any other club I remember Higgins could not stay on the field at the dogs has not missed a beat really with us that goes the same with Ahern so far as well as Anderson to a lesser extent. Like you say lets hope for bugger all injuries and a successfull year ahead.

 

[Tas]

My post was in relation moreso to rehabilitation and diagnosis rather than injury prevention.
We just don’t Get young players back without any setbacks or long lasting effects that sees them miss months of football.

I mean McDonald had his injury in July?
It’s December and he’s still cooked. Yeh broken legs are serious but the recovery time has been on the higher end. Whether it’s conservatism or whatnot I’d argue clubs should be putting more time and effort into studying recovery times rather than injury prevention. We seem way off where we should be

Yeah, for sure. We seem to take forever to get players back on the park... however, it is not like we have a shed out the back where we practice medicine, as soon as someone gets hurt they go to see a specialist that other footballers see as well and they pretty much oversee their treatment.

To some degree I think we have just been unlucky. We've had guys like Ben Brown who has had bad knee problems, rehabilitated Ahern who had two knee reconstructions in one year, Tarrant with chronic shoulder problems... these are some of the hardest injuries to rehabilitate.

I think the problem with Jacobs is that he was misdiagnosed by specialists outside the club.

 

[Carlos Herrrnandez]

This used to be called "normal".

He must have been immune to the contemporary entitlement programming.

It’s called attending Melbourne High School - like private schools it is not!

 

[justroyal]

The fact that be is doing coaching certifications, just shows that he is going to be a smart footballer with a wide understanding of the game at a very young age. Just need to get him on the park

 

[Kimbo]

The fact that be is doing coaching certifications, just shows that he is going to be a smart footballer with a wide understanding of the game at a very young age. Just need to get him on the park

Assuming he does get on the park, he'll be an interesting one to watch. I'd love for him and EVW to get a clear run at it and to watch their performances and their development.