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Senior List
COLLINGWOOD could have all but one of its playing list to choose from in a fortnight as unlucky forward Sean Rusling nears a return to football in 2009.
Rusling has been limited to just 17 matches in his time at the Magpies, with a series of shoulder injuries hampering his time at AFL level.
He and teammate Ben Johnson, who broke his leg against Geelong last week, are the only Magpies on the club’s injury list ahead of round four.
Irish rookie Kevin Dyas makes his return to VFL football this weekend after close to eight months out with a hamstring injury.
While Heath Shaw (one week) and captain Nick Maxwell (two matches) are both out suspended, Collingwood can be buoyed by its healthy list.
The Magpies, who are 1-2 after three rounds, face stern tests in coming weeks with matches against the Brisbane Lions, Essendon on Anzac Day, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Carlton.
However one thing they haven’t had to worry too much about is injuries, with Rusling one of the few concerns.
The 22-year-old, who coach Mick Malthouse has suggested could even play in defence this season, has shown glimpses of brilliance in four years at the Lexus Centre.
Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said Rusling, who last year had a shoulder reconstruction, had been making good progress from his injury before copping a knock “in the wrong spot”.
“Three to four weeks ago he had a little bit of a setback on the track,” Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“He had a bit of contact which just stirred it up a fraction and just sort of set him back a little bit. We’re really just seeing, on a week-to-week sense, how he is.
“He’s going to be pretty close, not this week, but the following week.”
Rusling, known for his lightning-quick speed on a lead, would be almost certain to need a few matches at VFL level before being considered for a senior recall.
“Over the summer he would have participated in a couple of little scratch match-type things but he hasn’t played a serious game,” Walsh said.
The Magpies expect Johnson, who broke the fibula bone in his right leg against the Cats on Easter Thursday, to miss about six weeks.
The bone was not displaced meaning the experienced defender did not require surgery. He is wearing a protective boot and is on crutches.
story here: http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/75011/default.aspx
Rusling has been limited to just 17 matches in his time at the Magpies, with a series of shoulder injuries hampering his time at AFL level.
He and teammate Ben Johnson, who broke his leg against Geelong last week, are the only Magpies on the club’s injury list ahead of round four.
Irish rookie Kevin Dyas makes his return to VFL football this weekend after close to eight months out with a hamstring injury.
While Heath Shaw (one week) and captain Nick Maxwell (two matches) are both out suspended, Collingwood can be buoyed by its healthy list.
The Magpies, who are 1-2 after three rounds, face stern tests in coming weeks with matches against the Brisbane Lions, Essendon on Anzac Day, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Carlton.
However one thing they haven’t had to worry too much about is injuries, with Rusling one of the few concerns.
The 22-year-old, who coach Mick Malthouse has suggested could even play in defence this season, has shown glimpses of brilliance in four years at the Lexus Centre.
Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said Rusling, who last year had a shoulder reconstruction, had been making good progress from his injury before copping a knock “in the wrong spot”.
“Three to four weeks ago he had a little bit of a setback on the track,” Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“He had a bit of contact which just stirred it up a fraction and just sort of set him back a little bit. We’re really just seeing, on a week-to-week sense, how he is.
“He’s going to be pretty close, not this week, but the following week.”
Rusling, known for his lightning-quick speed on a lead, would be almost certain to need a few matches at VFL level before being considered for a senior recall.
“Over the summer he would have participated in a couple of little scratch match-type things but he hasn’t played a serious game,” Walsh said.
The Magpies expect Johnson, who broke the fibula bone in his right leg against the Cats on Easter Thursday, to miss about six weeks.
The bone was not displaced meaning the experienced defender did not require surgery. He is wearing a protective boot and is on crutches.
story here: http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/newsfeatures/news/newsarticle/tabid/5586/newsid/75011/default.aspx







