Osborne key defender Duncan McMaster regaining form ahead of finals

A qualified physiotherapist, McMaster is usually greeted at the change rooms door at most training sessions with a few sore team-mates looking for a favour.

Generally McMaster is happy to oblige.

"I'm happy to help out team-mates where I can," McMaster said.

"But we are fortunate to have a good bunch of trainers who do most of the work.

"Kodie O'Malley is a bit of a hypochondriac and is never far away from the rubdown table.

"My going rate is usually a six-pack of beer.

"But I seem to be doing a lot more diagnostics than collecting six-packs."

McMaster arrived at Osborne in 2016 after stints at both Lavington and Tallangatta while studying at Charles Sturt University.

He made his senior debut for Lavington and played a handful of senior matches over two seasons before joining Tallangatta in 2013.

The athletic tall won the Hoppers' best and fairest in 2014 and also played in their most recent flag in 2015 before joining Osborne.

McMaster is building an impressive CV and has also been an integral part of the Tigers' past two flag triumphs in 2017 and 2019.

The 28-year-old was appointed co-captain of the Tigers this season alongside Connor Galvin who is among the leading fancies for the Azzi medal.

"I was a bit shocked and definitely honoured to be named co-captain of such a proud club like Osborne," he said.

"I've really enjoyed my six seasons at the club and get to play alongside some really talented players.

"Connor definitely fits into that category and has taken his game to the next level this season.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him but I'd be surprised if he wasn't right up there in the Azzi medal, especially early in the season."

ALSO IN SPORT

McMaster is not only loving life at Osborne but has found the love of his life after recently getting engaged to Tiger netballer Maddy Tyson.

McMaster sent a scare through the Tigers camp in the opening round when he went down with an ankle injury.

He revealed he tried to come back too early from the injury in round five against Holbrook.

The key defender has only played three matches since returning in early July and is slowly regaining match fitness ahead of the finals series.

"I landed awkwardly coming down from a marking contest in round one and a MRI scan revealed I had a small fracture," he said.

"I'm probably lacking a bit of match fitness but the ankle feels fine and I'm trying to recapture some form."

In a scary proposition for rival clubs, McMaster rates the current crop of Tigers superior to their premiership winning sides.

"I think we have superior depth to previous seasons with 36 players having played seniors this year," he said.

"Plus Joel Mackie has hardly played yet."

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