Speaking exclusively with LIONS TV as part of the regular Bupa Recovery Report, Lions Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass said the required surgeries were done immediately to allow the players more time to recover.
The players who have already gone under the knife include Jed Adcock (hip), James Polkinghorne (shoulder), Richard Newell (shoulder) and Matt Maguire (ankle).
“A few of the boys have already had their surgeries,” Hass told LIONS TV.
“Those guys are travelling fairly well, all went to plan. They’ve got their rehab programs, and we expect them to have a full pre-season.”
“Our theory was to get them done as soon as we possibly can so the boys get to enjoy their off-season break,” he said.
“It also makes sure they’re back in full swing for the 2013 pre-season.”
Check out all the latest post-season injury news at the Bupa Health Centre
The rest of Lions players will also receive tailored programs designed to maintain their conditioning over the post-season break.
“The boys are given a pretty individualised program to get them through the off-season," Hass said.
"It’s basically 2-3 weeks of complete rest and then two weeks of cross-training such as cycling, swimming and boxing.”
"Then there’s a 6-8 week block of running conditioning where we’re looking to get the boys back to around 80-90 per cent of where they left the season at.”
Hass also revealed that Jared Polec had a slight groin strain and would need to pass a fitness test before being considered for next weekend’s NEAFL Grand Final, and spoke in further detail about the Club’s planned trip to Arizona for altitude training.
