David Rodan back on training track two weeks after ACL reconstruction

[Whoskins]

Given the stage of Rodan's career, taking the risk with the LARS procedure would have outweighed possibly not returning to AFL.

David Rodan back on training track two weeks after knee surgery
The Advertiser January 08, 2010
Ben Hyde

PORT Adelaide won't rush David Rodan's recovery despite the midfielder appearing on the training track just two weeks after knee surgery.

Livewire Rodan, 26, had Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System procedure two and a half weeks ago after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a training drill on December 16.

This week, as the Power returned to pre-season training following their Christmas break, Rodan walked without crutches and kicked a football to himself.

Head fitness coach Cam Falloon said Rodan was tracking a similar path to someone who was five months into their recovery from a traditional knee reconstruction. But he said there was no urge to fast-track Rodan's return.

"I think it can grab you by surprise a little bit that it's week two and a half (into his recovery) and he's up walking around and looks quite good and has good range of movement. That doesn't mean he is ready to train - not by a long stretch," Falloon said.

"It was a 12-month injury when he did it and that's how we are treating it. If we get him back before 12 months that is a huge bonus for David and the club."

Sydney's Nick Malceski pioneered the new-age fibre ligament graft in the 2008 AFL season and returned to football within three months of the surgery. Falloon said the medical team at the Swans had provided plenty of feedback from their experience. The Power was using that to aid Rodan's recovery.

Dean Brogan, Chad and Kane Cornes, Daniel Motlop, Josh Carr and Jason Davenport are among the Port players on modified pre-season programs but Falloon said there were no major concerns.

"We probably looked after the older guys a little bit more (yesterday)," Falloon said. "The boys have had probably their most intense Christmas program for quite a few years."

[notyrock]

Hi.
It is good to hear that David Rodan back on training track two weeks after ACL reconstruction. We all were missing him.
Best wishes with warm welcome.