After having an injury interrupted preseason, Paul Medhurst's 2009 year never reached its full potential.
The 2008 All-Australian was forced to miss six consecutive rounds (7-12) with an ankle injury (played in VFL in Round 10 during AFL bye week) and to his credit was able to show some strong form on his return, but two poor finals performances saw the 27-year-old omitted from the preliminary final.
He managed to play 18 senior matches, an impressive number considering he was hampered by a serious ankle problem.
Medhurst’s minutes per game were well down from last year, averaging 84 minutes per game compared to 104 in 2008.
A clear run over the next three months should help the forward regain his 2008 form.
2009 highlights
Round four v Brisbane: After kicking three goals the week before in the loss to Geelong, Medhurst shined in what was a must-win match for the club at the Gabba. He proved the match winner booting four goals including two in the third term. Trailing by 10 points at the main break, the forward took a strong mark in the opening minute of the third and slotted a tough shot from a tight angle. Moments later he tacked on his third for the match, kicking true from the side of his boot to put the Magpies ahead for the first time.
Paul Hudson: It was a frustrating year for Medhurst. Both for the coaches and him personally. I think having been dropped during the finals was indicative of that. We know that he was under an injury cloud. He will be the first to admit that his preparation this year and last year was chalk and cheese. He knows what he has to do for 2010. A really strong preseason and he will be right to go.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 18 | 8.6/57.4% | 3.9/76.1% | 12.6/63.3% | 5.3 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.3 |
2009 VFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | T |
| 2 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 10.0 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
CTV
