Meehan match-fit

Back from London, Hawk takes the field

HIS hamstrings were cramping and he was rapidly running out of breath.

But returning Inverleigh onballer Casey Meehan insists he will be better for the run after a solid comeback in the elimination final win over East Geelong.

Meehan, one of the missing links for Inverleigh after a sixweek venture overseas, slotted back into the side seamlessly with an impressive performance against the Eagles.

He was named in the Hawks’ best alongside Billy Cations, Jimmy Huybens, Scott Condy and Michael Best, despite having not played since the Round 12 clash against Geelong West on July 6.

“It’s only normal (to struggle) when you’ve been away for six weeks and you’re coming back into a game on the biggest ground in Geelong … you’re always going to be underdone,” Meehan said.

“I did the preparation while I was over there and did my preparation during the week and got myself right for Sunday. Having the extra day worked in my favour, so I’m feeling good.”

Meehan recently returned from the United Kingdom, where he completed six weeks of placement for an osteopathy course.

Working five days a week in the middle of London, the strongly built midfielder admitted it was often difficult to stay in shape.

“Monday to Friday I was pretty flat-out 9am to 6pm, so I didn’t really have the chance to go out and cause a bit of trouble,” Meehan said.

“It was hard in the middle of London, but I was pretty much running. I was averaging between 3-5km a couple of times a week to try and keep up with the boys. I only went to the gym a couple of times, but it was better than nothing.”

Meehan completed 90 per cent of the game against East Geelong and conceded postmatch he felt the pinch. “I did,” Meehan said. “Come three-quarter time both my hammies started cramping, not necessarily fitness wise, but (a lack) of match fitness, I guess.”

With the first finals hurdle cleared for Inverleigh, Meehan has quickly shifted his focus to Sunday’s semi-final against Werribee Centrals.

The Centurions got the better of the Hawks after halftime back in Round 17, winning by 44 points.

“I was listening to it over in London,” Meehan said.

“They’re playing a fast brand of footy and we hope to play our brand of footy and take the ascendancy.”