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ST KILDA veteran Adam Schneider is confident he won’t end up on the AFL scrapheap and says his body can still cope with the demands of playing at the highest level.
Schneider, 29, has managed just 13 games over the past two seasons, but the former Osborne ace is optimistic his injury woes are behind him.
So much so, the 200-gamer hopes to push into the Saints’ midfield this year.
“I’ve been trying to do that for the past 13 years of my career,” he said.
“Hopefully this year is the year.
“I’ve sort of done my first pre-season in five years.
“Hopefully the body can get through and get some time in the midfield.
“I just want to play footy this year.
“I haven’t had a very good run the past couple of years with injury and I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing footy and hopefully staying on the park.”
Schneider, who signed a one-year deal last season to stay a Saint, said he still had plenty to offer the rebuilding club.
“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t,” he said.
“I still really enjoy the training and seeing the young blokes grow around the club.
“That’s been really good.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to play footy like I’ve wanted to over the past couple of years and want to make sure I can do that before I finish.”
Schneider, who played in three successive Hume league premierships at Osborne before being drafted by Sydney in 2001, said he was confident of playing in Saturday’s NAB Challenge clash against GWS at Wagga.
“I’m a good chance, yeah,” he said.
“It would be nice to play a game in Wagga, I haven’t played there in a very long time.
“It would be a good thing to do, I’ve just to get the all clear from the doctors and get through training on Thursday and I should be right to go.”
The Saints are expected to recall a host of big names, including captain Nick Riewoldt and champion midfielder Lenny Hayes, for the Robertson Oval clash.