Narkle back on the track
PROMISING Geelong youngster Quinton Narkle is back running as he begins his return from a serious knee injury.
The 19-year-old suffered an ACL injury in training in June and went under the knife soon after.
With a few months of rehab now under his belt, Narkle is back on the track and hopeful of making a return in April next year.
“I’m three sessions in with my running. I’m moving pretty freely — I haven’t done any cutting, it’s mostly straight line stuff, but I’m feeling really good,” Narkle said.
“Hopefully when I get back I’ll be joining in with the boys a lot more. It’s hard to say yet (when I’ll be right to play), but they’ve given me around April some time — Round 4-6.”
The ACL injury capped a frustrating first season for Narkle, who impressed in the VFL when he was fit.
He suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the year, which sidetracked his push towards a senior game.
“It is frustrating. This whole year I’ve just had setbacks — my hammy and now the knee,” Narkle said.
“It’s not the ideal first year, but I’ve loved it at the Cats and it’s not the worst thing.
“I’m still young and I’ve got a lot of footy left. I’ll just have to look forward to next year and see what happens.”
But the West Australian has been a bubbly presence around the club, watching Geelong’s VFL side play from the grandstand with crutches next to him.
“I am shattered (not to be playing), but I’ve grown so close to those boys (Brandan Parfitt and Esava Ratugolea) I support them 100 per cent,” he said.
“I love watching them play, I love watching the whole club play. I enjoy footy even if I’m not playing, I love watching it. I just can’t wait to get out there.”
Narkle said the whole club had been a massive support, but highlighted the influence Daniel Menzel has had on him.
Menzel is no stranger to serious knee injuries and has become a poster boy for players who have suffered ACL tears.
“Menz’s been a really big help. He actually came into the hospital as soon as I woke up from my surgery,” Narkle said.