ALBURY co-coach Daniel Maher will make his long-awaited return to football in a practice match against Eastlake in Canberra today.
Maher, who underwent a knee reconstruction after being injured in round 5 against Lavington last year, plans to get back on the field playing 10 minutes a quarter in the reserves.
The classy left-footer said yesterday it was a relief to be given the all-clear.
“I have missed it,” Maher said.
“I’d say I will be chasing a bit of leather though.
“The experts gave me the green light this week and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”
Maher is shaping as a five-star recruit for Albury with his run and leadership from defence sorely missed as Yarrawonga ended the Tigers’ three-year domination of the Ovens and Murray.
Albury will take an under-strength line-up to Canberra with youngsters including Jack Brooks and Will Blomely to be given plenty of opportunities.
Albury and Eastlake have been regular pre-season opponents in recent years with the Canberra side always formidable.
- Former Albury speedster Tom Gleeson has been offered a contract with NT Thunder.
Gleeson, who has been living in Katherine for two years, has been in fine form for Swan Districts and will line up against Wanderers in the first semi-final tonight.
He came runner-up in the best and fairest to former North Albury player Damian Cupido who has kicked a record 136 goals.
Gleeson won the Morris Medal for his best-on-ground performance in the Katherine Camels’ premiership last year.