Malceski backs LARS surgery technique - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Malceski backs LARS surgery technique

By Adrian Warren 13/04/2010 05:11:18 PM Comments (0)

Rejuvenated Sydney defender Nick Malceski says he'd recommend LARS knee surgery to anyone as a second AFL player aims to make a rapid return after undergoing the radical technique.

Malceski was the pioneer, or "bunny rabbit" as he referred to himself, when he became the first AFL player to undergo the procedure after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season game early in 2008.

The serious injury normally sidelines players for 6-9 months, but Malceski was back playing senior football by round 8 of that season.

This week, Adelaide midfielder David Rodan is scheduled to make his return to senior ranks just four months after undergoing the LARS surgery.

A third AFL player, Carlton forward Brad Fisher, who played junior football with Malceski, is on track to resume playing before the halfway mark of the competition, after going under the knife in late February after damaging his knee in a NAB Cup match against the Swans.

Malceski said his experience had given other players confidence in the technique and he was happy to advise anyone on the surgery.

"David Rodan, I think he's expected to play this weekend in the seniors, he's played two SANFL games, I spoke to him a fair bit," Malceski said on Tuesday.

"Brad Fisher, who did his knee in the NAB cup, I'm really good mates with him, so I've been keeping up to date with him.

"But it's working, people are doing it. I think a couple of boys did their knee on the weekend, so I really recommend to get it done."

Malceski stressed the operation didn't necessarily mean regaining top form immediately, as he struggled to regain his old form in the last one and a half seasons.

"The year after I did my knee wasn't too good, but you get back and you get the confidence quicker I think, you don't miss 12 months of footy," Malceski said.

The dashing back with the penetrating left boot has recaptured his best form in the early rounds of this year's competition.

Sydney coach Paul Roos believes Malceski, who finished second in Sydney's 2007 best and fairest, is now performing as well as he did prior to his injury.

While many pundits have focused on the return of Irishman Tadhg Kennelly giving Sydney extra spark out of the back-line this season, Roos said they had underestimated Malceski's impact.

"I think Mal's comeback to form with us has been really important for that back six and the way we move the footy, his decision making, his kicking is very good."

Malceski wasn't sure whether he was back to his best yet, but said he gone into 2010 wanting to have a "big year" and impact on the team.

"I think I've done that for the first three games," Malceski said.

He was happy to have Kennelly back, even though the Irishman's return potentially increased pressure on him at the selection table.

"Tadhg was a real good mentor, I learnt a lot off him, I was very happy he was coming back."

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