Sean’s injury hurdles
WHEN Sean Lemmens had the start of his season marred by injury for a second straight year, the forward began thinking it was a matter of time before he was dealt another hammer blow.
A hamstring injury and then fractured wrist meant Lemmens didn’t see AFL action until Round 13 last season but the 24-year-old hasn’t had to wait as long this time around, earning a call-up for Gold Coast’s Round 8 game against Melbourne at Metricon Stadium today.
It follows an eight-week absence forced upon him by an ankle injury suffered in the pre-season campaign.
“Initially you are really frustrated and thinking ‘what is going to be next, this and that?’,” Lemmens said.
“You get that scan and you want to move on pretty quick and get into your rehab so you can get back as quick as possible and stay open-minded because it is a long year.”
An intense rehabilitation and fitness program had Lemmens feeling ready to play seniors again – and a four-goal effort for the Suns NEAFL team in their win over the Northern Territory last weekend in Darwin further added to his confidence he could make an impact for coach Stuart Dew straight away.
The former halfback-turned-pressure forward has thrived under Dew’s coaching, with his high-octane game style matching the contested football the former Sydney assistant has brought to the Suns.
Dew needed more speed across the field and hopes the recall of Lemmens, Lachie Weller and Pearce Hanley from injury are the answer.
“He is a coach who coaches you on your strengths and encourages you to bring them to the team because that is what will benefit everyone,” Lemmens said.
“My speed, my attack on the footy and pressure is something he said he needs so it’s something I’ll try and bring.”