The Ox returns
Injury fears, the search for new stars ... the drama resumes
THE footy air is thick with anticipation.
We’ve had two great grand finals in the past two years.
It’s proven that droughts can be broken.
But luck is needed to make it there.
Injuries to star players can break a season.
They are part of footy, but they can solemnly turn the tide of a club.
In 2018 I’m excited to see some young, explosive talent back on the field.
Over in the west, the Eagles just aren’t the same without Nic Naitanui.
After 15 games in 2016 and none last year we need him back.
While I’ve been a critic of his relatively low possession game, I’ve missed his aerial acrobatics and flair.
So too have the fans and so too has the team.
The Eagles need Nic Nat to be flying because he has such a dominance with his tap work, his marking and his non-stop running.
Losing him again would be heartbreaking, so let’s hope a suspected thumb injury doesn’t delay his start too much.
When the big names go down early in the year it is such a kick in the guts for the fans.
Six months of off-season expectation fizzles and thoughts turn to Plan B or even C.
Last year, Max Gawn was in career best form, coming off being named the All-Austra- lian in 2016, then a shattering hamstring injury pulled his season to an almighty halt just three weeks in.
For Gawn, and for Melbourne, this was a cruel blow.
He got back into the senior side but his season never recovered, and the Dees fans missed their man.
It’s such a shock when a club figurehead gets taken out.
The heartbreak for Dogs fans when Bob Murphy did his knee was so raw. Luckily for them, the club managed to fill the gap and win the flag.
So, I’m not saying one player down means season over.
But imagine the pain in the Carlton fans’ eyes if Patrick Cripps, Matty Kreuzer, Jacob Weitering or Marc Murphy limps off the MCG tonight.
For their Richmond opponents this game is monumental.
They have to prove the premiership hangover has gone. They have to ensure their stars shine.
Fans have waited so long to see this flag unfurled and the roar will be probably bigger than on Grand Final Day last year.
It’s going to be so exciting to see Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt back on the field again.
They have brought so much hope to supporters of other teams desperate to break the drought.
Key players on the park is so critical for premiership success.
Yes, there’s a long way to go. Yes, new players will emerge to become stars. And yes injuries will occur, but I hope the year starts well for all players.
I know myself that the best laid plans can be chucked out the window.
Let’s get this season started!