LIONS YOUNGSTER Jaden McGrath is progressing well in his recovery from a foot injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 3.
McGrath was a standout first-year draftee and played all three AFL Premiership games as well as three NAB Challenge matches in 2015.
He pulled up sore after the loss to Richmond at the Gabba in April. Following scans, McGrath was diagnosed with a stress reaction in the navicular bone in his foot that required surgery, and was ruled out for 8-12 weeks.
“It’s coming along pretty well, probably ahead of what they thought I would be at this point in time.
“I started running in the Alter G machine last Monday and did my first run on the ground yesterday and it went pretty well,” McGrath said.
“It’s progressing nicely.”
The 19-year old was the ninth teenager to debut under Coach Justin Leppitsch.
Hailing from Kerang, a rural town of 4000 people in northern Victoria, McGrath was given a dream introduction to the AFL, playing against Collingwood at the Gabba in Round 1 after being taken at No.73 in the 2014 National Draft.
“To be such a late draft pick and to play so early on was a big surprise and a good reward for the effort I’ve put in over pre-season.
“It was good to get a few games early on.”
See full Injury List at the BUPA Health Centre
The Lions are looking to regain a host of players ahead of their clash with the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne on Saturday and McGrath is confident he’ll be back soon enough.
“Up on the wall in the physio room, they’ve got Round 18 to return”, he said.
“Hopefully there are no minor setbacks and I can get back and get a few games in before the season ends.”
