The Grew is finally fit

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(as Bresh will attest ;) ). This new found fitness and confidence could see him make the much vaunted 'step up' and maybe even have a 'breakout game'. Seriously tho, he could become our utility X-factor like the player he mentions, Adam Hunter.


No pain, lots of gain

ANDREW CAPEL

April 05, 2007 02:15am
Article from: The Advertiser




EIGHT months after being confined to a wheelchair, Michael Pettigrew says he is pain-free for the first time in four years.
Revealing the full extent of the leg injuries which have hampered his Port Adelaide career, Pettigrew says he is finally free of the shin soreness which he has battled since just before arriving at the Power at the end of 2003.

And, now that he is fit, the Power's X-factor has signalled his intentions not only to become a Port regular for the first time, but to make his mark on the competition in a big way, saying he wants to "dominate" some matches.

Breaking his silence about the shin splits that have plagued him, Pettigrew, who has played 32 AFL games, said he had never been able to complete more than 50-to-60 per cent of the Power's fitness work. That is until undergoing radical surgery after round 19 last season to relieve the pressure on his shins. When Pettigrew was admitted to hospital for surgery after his matchwinning, three-goal cameo against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin, it was said to be to correct a shoulder injury.

<snip>

Port's Mr Flexible, Pettigrew has, incredibly, played in every forward and defensive position in his 32 games. "But that doesn't faze me too much," he said. "It's probably been a positive in that being flexible helps me get a game. I'm just happy to play my role for the team and do whatever needs to be done. Most teams have some flexible players who are equally adept down back or up forward - like Adam Hunter at West Coast - and if I can play a role similar to him, I'll be more than happy with that."

And so will Port.
 

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morell

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#2
Shin splints suck. I get them as well and they can be extremely painful.

It can be a chronic injury as previously (as I understood it) there was no cure except rest...
 

Phhht

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#3
saying he wants to "dominate" some matches
Good to see the guy step up to the mark but NO excuses from here - as long as injury doesn't play a part, his development over the next 12 months will determine his future.

Hope he goes well as I think he has all the physical attributes, just not sure his footy 'smarts' are up to scratch - YET.
 

Toots Hibbert

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#4
I very much liked his game on the weekend. I thought he was a bit more agile and he also outbodied his opponent a few times.

I was starting to have a few doubts whether he would make the grade last year despite his good display against the Bulldogs. He just looked like his development had stalled. This article explains why. I'm back on the bandwagon. :thumbsu:
 

Coobk001

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#9
He was good on the weekend but one thing stood out.

His tackling was very week.

He is choc-a-bloc with talent, composure, skill, speed, height & agility..... BUT, he has shown glimpses on occasions but never produced it consistently and as a result he still hasn't cemented a spot.

I really hope this is his breakout year because he needs to step up and perform consistently and command a spot because if he does it'll be a huge bonus for us.

His leading mark into the pocket against Freo and goal, showed his great hands, speed & kicking so as such I believe he could be a great forward, but with Motlop, Ebert, Tredrea, Lade & White up forward I cant see him squeezing in. Also with Wakelin, Chad, Chappy & Thurstans down back fighting for a spot down back I dont know where he'll fit there either. I think he's gonna struggle to find a spot and thats a damn shame.
 

PJ Power

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#10
I've always thought that the Grew was a particularly good chaser and tackler. Some of the pressure he put on opponents last week was pretty good IMO. I must be missing something.
 
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#11
EIGHT months after being confined to a wheelchair, Michael Pettigrew says he is pain-free for the first time in four years.
I think most of us have always thought of the Grew to be something special and IMO the above really does show that we've got the best still to come........:thumbsu:
 

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Crows I Am

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#12
I've always thought that the Grew was a particularly good chaser and tackler. Some of the pressure he put on opponents last week was pretty good IMO. I must be missing something.
Yeah unfortunately multiple tackles of his slipped last week against freo. So I'd have to say that was a concern but hopefully he can work on that
 
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