MYLES Aalbers has always been optimistic he’d be fit to take on Albury.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s just that he thought it would be in round 5, not 14.
The Lavington livewire spoke in detail yesterday about the frustration of having his season derailed by an ankle injury he suffered against North Albury in round 4.
Aalbers said he initially thought it was a regulation ankle sprain and that he was going to be fit to take on the Tigers the following week.
But it soon turned out to be much worse.
“It’s been very frustrating,” Aalbers said.
“It’s been 10 weeks now.
“I’m doing my own head in.
“I just want to get out there and have a kick.”
Aalbers, who will sit out again today, said he expected to be fit for the return bout with the premiership favourite at the end on the month.
“I’m hoping I’m a chance for next week against North Albury but the aim is the Albury game, if all goes to plan,” he said.
“I got through three sessions of training this week and pulled up OK.
“I’ll rest it over the weekend and then see how we go at training again next week.”
Aalbers, who finished runner-up in Lavington’s best and fairest last season, conceded he had pushed himself too hard to get back from the injury.
“I overdid it early on, which made it worse,” he said.
“I thought it was a standard sprain but I completely did the medial ligament on the inside and tore a bit of cartilage, as well.
“Then I had a setback with my Achilles and calf, because of the stress on the ankle.”
While Aalbers is one of several Lavington stars to face extended time on the sidelines this season, the Panthers have barely put a foot wrong on the field.
Aalbers said he been impressed by the impact of the club’s younger brigade this season.
“They’ve really stepped up and are playing their roles very well,” he said.