The rehabilitation of Sam Skinner's ACL is on schedule, and the Brisbane Lions hope that the unlucky 2015 draftee will return to running in November ahead of the 2017 pre-season.
Scans in July confirmed that Skinner had torn his left anterior cruciate ligament, requiring a full knee reconstruction.
He was due to make his AFL debut against Port Adelaide at the Gabba that same week in Round 19.
It was a devastating blow for Skinner, who spent the early part of his time at the Lions in rehab from an ACL injury (to the same knee) sustained playing for Vic Country in 2015.
He was selected at pick No.47 in last year's draft and came to the club halfway through his rehabilitation.
“It’s the early stage of his ACL program. He’s progressing really well and ahead of schedule. He’s looking to run at the start of pre-season in November around the time when the other guys returning,” said Selwyn Griffith, Athletic Development & Rehabilitation Coach at the Lions.
Griffith said the 19-year-old defender was making good progress and the Club had established programs to help him prepare mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.
“The running is just scraping the top of the iceberg really.
“He’s a ripping kid and is going to be a phenomenal player. We’re building what we’re calling his journey – with that will include some hiking and possibly some road rides and maybe even a cycling event to create a bit of goal setting for him. Working on physical capabilities that will make him a better athlete and encourage him to feel good about his body and himself.”
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