I’ll play until I’m 50, says Hoggie
BRAD Hogg says he won’t rush back from knee surgery as he prepares for his 21st season of professional cricket.
Hogg, who made a flying visit to Geelong yesterday to promote the opening of ticket sales for the January 3 double header against Sydney Sixes at Simonds Stadium, revealed he was on track to return next month.
“I’m trying to suit up as early as I possibly can,” Hogg said.
“I’ve been bowling for the last month, I’m probably at 70-80 per cent at the moment. I just want to make sure I’m not rushing, because I do have a tendency to jump the gun a bit.
“I’m trying to listen to the medical staff as much as possible and not trying to do much more than they’re asking of me. I’ll just play it by ear.”
Hogg, who played seven Test matches for Australia, had knee surgery to repair the meniscus.
He hopes to return for Geelong in Victorian Premier Cricket within the next three weeks before turning his attention to the Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League campaign, which starts on December 9 against Sydney Thunder.
“The way the ball is coming out in the nets . . . I’m very happy with it,” Hogg said of his rehab.
“I’m on a bike and I’m just as fit, if not fitter, than I was last year. It’s just a matter of getting that knee right so I can execute my skills.
“I’m 46. I’m not going to have the excuse that I haven’t had time to prepare because I retired for 3½ years and didn’t pick up a bat or ball in that time and I came back and that didn’t set me back, either.
“I’ve got that experience, so shouldn’t let me down.”
Preparing for his second season with the ’Gades, Hogg admitted he was hoping to extend his career well beyond this season.
“I’m closer to 46 than I am 47, but it I’m not going to lie, I’ve got a goal to play until I’m 50,” Hogg said.
“If I get there I get there, if I don’t, I don’t. But you’ve got to have a goal, little milestones, but my main goal is to make sure I get right behind Aaron Finch.
“He’s been at the club and led the club from day one and I’ll get right behind my teammates to make sure we have success.”
Hogg admitted he had no hesitation in suiting up for the Renegades in 2017-18 once he received the nod from coach Andrew McDonald.
“There was no mulling over it,” Hogg said.
“We talked about it straight away at the end of last season and worked out what I had to do to be prepared for this season.
“I’m just glad that I’m here and I really want to finish my career with the Renegades and make sure we win at least one flag.”