Brisbane Lions' Head of Medical Peter Blanch has confirmed that Stefan Martin’s injury rehabilitation program is going to plan despite the added challenges posed by COVID-19 and the new social distancing regulations. 

Martin suffered a Grade 2 Posterior Cruciate Strain in the Lions Round 1 loss to Hawthorn in Melbourne before the AFL implemented the current season suspension, which has a normal recovery timeframe of about 6-8 weeks.

When asked about the impact that not being able to work with Stefan on his rehabilitation in person would have, Blanch was confident it would not make a difference to his recovery.

“Because Stefan is such a professional athlete it doesn't make too much difference in his rehabilitation,” he said.

“He is in a specially designed spring-loaded PCL brace which we adjust on a fortnightly basis and he is carrying out a rehab and fitness program which I have no doubt he is completing diligently. 

“We speak at least a couple of times a week as well as Stefan touching base with High-Performance Manager, Damien Austin, and Athletic Development and Rehabilitation Coach, Selwyn Griffiths, to monitor his progress.

“We will be looking for him to commence running at about 6 weeks post-injury so Stefan will be pretty close to a return should the competition resume after the current confirmed shutdown period of 31 May.”

As far as using technology to monitor his progress goes, the remaining skeleton football staff are utilizing apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom and regular text and email to ensure that communication channels are open and free flowing amongst all players and staff during the shutdown period.

‘I spend a lot of my time on the phone and also looking at the diary entries of the players regarding their wellbeing, soreness and training.  We are monitoring players mentally as well as physically and this is a role taken on by all the skeleton staff” he said.