Third time unlucky for Perris
Sydney Swans rookie Lloyd Perris has received yet another setback after undergoing a third knee construction inside two years.
plus recent RAMS draftees wrap.
By Alex Foote
Third time unlucky for Perris
Sydney Swans rookie Lloyd Perris has received yet another setback after undergoing a third knee construction inside two years, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during a routine training drill last week.
The 20-year-old endured a harsh introduction to AFL football after needing two traditional reconstructions on his left knee and on Monday underwent the controversial LARS procedure on his right knee.
“He’s had a wretched run since he started his career at the Swans and as a result his season has finished,” Swans football manager Tom Harley said on www.sydneyswans.com.au
Perris only managed five NEAFL games after a number of setbacks held him off the track since his last reconstruction midway through last year.
Perris can take comfort in the fact Geelong’s Daniel Menzel has come to the cusp of a football fairy-tale as he is likely to return after suffering four knee constructions.
While St George product Perris is set for s stint on the sidelines. his NSW/ACT counterparts
Some of Perris’ fellow NSW/ACT Rams products have also battled injury in 2015. But the return from others has been encouraging, highlighted by the likes of Jack Steele and Isaac Heeney
RECENT RAMS DRAFTEES WRAP
- Jack Steele
The Canberra and local GWS academy product has had a season to remember in 2015 as injuries to key players opened the door for Jack to debut against North Melbourne in round 12. Steele made an immediate impression in his first game when he had 17 possessions and laid 10 tackles.
Steele has gone on to play 7 senior games in 2015 and will look to take his game to the next level next year.
- Jeremy Finlayson
Jeremy along with Steele is a product of the GWS academy. Hailing from Culcairn in the Riverina, Finlayson is a Developing young tall, athletic left-footer who uses the ball well and can play in a variety of positions.
Yet to make a debut Jeremy is knocking on the door as he ends the season positively finding himself in the best players in the last 4 weeks.
- Isaac Heeney
The Sydney Swans selected Isaac Heeney with their first round pick – number 18 overall – in the 2014 AFL Draft, after he was pre-selected by the club via the Academy bidding system.
Heeney grew up in Cardiff, just south of Newcastle, and played for the Cardiff Hawks Juniors before joining the Academy in 2011.
Season 2015 has gone to plan for Isaac making his much anticipated debut in front of friends and family in the opening round of the season against Essendon. The swans young gun claimed a rising star nomination after kicking 3 goals in round 3 against GWS.
What looked to be a flawless 2015 season was partially interrupted after injuring a posterior cruciate ligament against Melbourne in round six. After playing a few games in the reserves post injury, Isaac found his way back into the senior side and has performed steadily since his return from injury.
- Jack Hiscox
Known and drafted for his exceptional endurance athleticism, Hiscox s a hard running, small forward/midfielder who currently holds the Sydney Swans Academy 3km cross country record of 9.06 minutes. He also finished equal first in the beep test at the recent AFL Combine finishing with a score of 16.1.
Hiscox played NAB challenge in 2015 and has had a consistent year playing in the NEAFL. He will look forward to a big 2016 after another pre-season under his belt. Once Jack puts on some muscle mass he will be able to cope with the knocks and bumps of AFL football.
- Abaina Davis
One of four players drafted from the QBE Swans Academy last year, Davis has impressed with his willingness to work hard over the pre-season.
Abaina powerful and courageous player, Davis can play as a tall forward or as a key defender.
A 2015 highlight for Davis was playing in the 2015 AFL indigenous All stars’ exhibition match. In the NEAFL Davis has performed constantly playing every game and finding himself in the best player’s numerous occasions. Abe has proved his versatility in 2015 playing forward, back and even through the midfield and the wing.
- Jordan Foote
The Sydney Swans added another New South Wales player to the ranks, with QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Jordan Foote selected by the club in the 2015 Rookie Draft.
The South Coogee teenager, who began his football career at the Maroubra Saints Junior Football Club, joins Academy team mates Isaac Heeney, Jack Hiscox and Abe Davis at the Swans in 2015.
Jordan overcame a few niggling injuries during the preseason to start the season off strongly with key performances early in the season. Jordan has been playing his role as a shut down player through the midfield as well as a link through half back.
- Dougal Howard
Dougal is a tall developing forward who provides an excellent target inside 50. Overhead marking is a strength and once he takes front position it is difficult for defenders to spoil. Possesses an excellent vertical leap while also showing elite leg speed for a player of his size.
The riggers of a AFL standard preseason have proved tough for Dougal Howard as he was given a brutal introduction into the game. Arriving only days before flying out to Dubai for the powers pre season camp.
“It’s been extremely intense, both physically and mentally trying to keep the body in good condition,” Howard told portadelaidefc.com.au.
Howard suffered a lower leg injury which kept him from playing SANFL until round 10. But has performed consistently since then and will be looking forward to an injury free 2016.
- Aaron VandenBerg
Aaron Vandenberg was born in Perth but moved to Tathra, New South Wales with his family at ten-years of age. Aaron played senior football for Ainslie in the NEAFL where he won the eastern conference premiership in his first year, and back-to-back best-and-fairest in 2013–2014
VandenBerg was drafted to Melbourne with pick 2 in the 2015 rookie draft and he made his debut in the round 1 win against Gold Coast in 2015. He has gone on to play 14 games in 2015. one skill he knows he must improve on is hitting targets more consistently.
VandenBerg is operating at 57.4 per cent disposal efficiency in 2015, well below the AFL average of 72.7 per cent.
“Once I get used to the intensity around the football and the quickness of the game, my ball use will be better,” he said.
- Logan Austin
Logan is a developing player who recently switched to centre half-back after starting as a centre half-forward and pinch-hitting ruckman. Excellent closing speed and backs himself to mark and win the ball back for his team.
Hailing from the same junior club as fellow draftee Jack Steele Logan was taken at pick 69 in the 2014 national draft by Port Adelaide. Season 2015 started promising for Logan playing consistent footy as a backman in the SANFL before requiring surgery on both shoulders. Logan looks likely to be ready for day 1 of preseason in 2016.
- Lachlan Langford
The famous Langford name at Hawthorn says it all. Lachlan Langford is the son of club champion Chris Langford and brother of 2014 premiership hero Will Langford. Originally from the eastern suburbs in Sydney Lachlan was taken at pick No.53 overall in the rookie draft.
Langford has had a consistent year playing for box hill in the VFL and will look to improve his strength and power in 2016.
- Ivan Soldo
Ivan Soldo is the cousin of ruckman Ivan Maric and was signed as a three-year, non-registered category B rookie in July after showing promise as a developing ruckman.
Soldo spent time learning the game at Punt Rd last year and lost nearly 20kg. Represented the ACT in basketball as a junior and will be viewed as a project player.
2015 saw Ivan continue to learn the game playing as a ruckman and will continue to work on how to use his athleticism to his advantage.
2016 onwards looks promising for the 204cm former basketball star as he continues to learn the game.
