Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley has suffered another hamstring injury setback, but the 275-game veteran is still hopeful of making a contribution to the side in 2007.
Buckley, who turns 35 later this month, injured his right hamstring while training on Monday, meaning his return to playing will be delayed further, with a series of hamstring injuries having prevented him from taking the field so far this year.
“The last injury was the best part of seven weeks ago, it was the left leg, this one’s high up on the right leg,” Buckley told the media at the Lexus Centre on Wednesday.
“I think I’ve lost count, it’s the fifth or sixth this year, after pretty extensive recoveries each time."
It was a cruel blow for the champion midfielder, but the lure of that elusive premiership means he won’t be throwing in the towel just yet, with Collingwood sitting sixth on the ladder and every chance of playing finals.
“My major focus is on getting back to support the boys and contribute to a positive season for the club.
“It’s very disappointing for me, but… they (the team) have proven that we’re good enough and capable enough, and if I can add to that later on in the year then so be it.
“We’re nine (wins) and six (losses) after 15 (rounds), losing by three kicks to the side that are pretty clear on the top of the ladder, and we didn’t think we played our best football, but I don’t think Geelong did either.
“At our best we’re capable of anything this year. The longer Collingwood’s season goes, the longer my hopes linger. I’ll be making sure I take every opportunity to put myself in the frame, there’s no use throwing your arms up and giving up, because everyone wants to play in a premiership team.
“The opportunity is available to Collingwood. I’m on Collingwood’s list, so therefore the opportunity is available to me.”
While conceding his body is “packing up”, Buckley said with only seven home and away rounds remaining, he will now alter his rehabilitation methods so that he’s match ready if and when he returns, rather than thinking long term recovery.
“As the weeks go by, you’re less and less likely to get back,” he added. “I said last time there was probably one chance left.
“The way it is and the way our season is panning out, there’s anywhere from seven weeks to eleven weeks left to go, and best case scenario, I can get back in that time.
“My preparation will be modified around trying to accelerate that recovery, rather than dealing with it with more time in hand. In many ways, it might actually force a better result than more time would have, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Buckley, who turns 35 later this month, injured his right hamstring while training on Monday, meaning his return to playing will be delayed further, with a series of hamstring injuries having prevented him from taking the field so far this year.
“The last injury was the best part of seven weeks ago, it was the left leg, this one’s high up on the right leg,” Buckley told the media at the Lexus Centre on Wednesday.
“I think I’ve lost count, it’s the fifth or sixth this year, after pretty extensive recoveries each time."
It was a cruel blow for the champion midfielder, but the lure of that elusive premiership means he won’t be throwing in the towel just yet, with Collingwood sitting sixth on the ladder and every chance of playing finals.
“My major focus is on getting back to support the boys and contribute to a positive season for the club.
“It’s very disappointing for me, but… they (the team) have proven that we’re good enough and capable enough, and if I can add to that later on in the year then so be it.
“We’re nine (wins) and six (losses) after 15 (rounds), losing by three kicks to the side that are pretty clear on the top of the ladder, and we didn’t think we played our best football, but I don’t think Geelong did either.
“At our best we’re capable of anything this year. The longer Collingwood’s season goes, the longer my hopes linger. I’ll be making sure I take every opportunity to put myself in the frame, there’s no use throwing your arms up and giving up, because everyone wants to play in a premiership team.
“The opportunity is available to Collingwood. I’m on Collingwood’s list, so therefore the opportunity is available to me.”
While conceding his body is “packing up”, Buckley said with only seven home and away rounds remaining, he will now alter his rehabilitation methods so that he’s match ready if and when he returns, rather than thinking long term recovery.
“As the weeks go by, you’re less and less likely to get back,” he added. “I said last time there was probably one chance left.
“The way it is and the way our season is panning out, there’s anywhere from seven weeks to eleven weeks left to go, and best case scenario, I can get back in that time.
“My preparation will be modified around trying to accelerate that recovery, rather than dealing with it with more time in hand. In many ways, it might actually force a better result than more time would have, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
