Alex Johnson - Is he due back in 2016?

[magic.merkin]

i'd go 99.9%

[Conor_Dillon]

i'd go 99.9%

I'll go out on a limb and say 100%

[magic.merkin]

Now you are just being crazy!

[WauchopeAnalyst]

A couple of great efforts by No.11, in blue, chasing down No.48 in front of goals with a great tackle and a spoil on the wing. A gritty left foot defender and I think it was Tyrone L.

If it is him then look out. I love players that put their body on the line, they help win flags. I hate flapping scarecrows who only like good with the ball.

[707]

Article on AJ just posted on the Swans website. Bloody sad that he can't get his knee right, seems like a super guy.

[chalbilto]

The optimist in me hopes that there is a medical cure for his infection and that he can make a recovery, for he deserves it for sheer determination he has shown.

[The Big Cat]

My daughter who's a doctor, says unfortunately in most cases these infections mean "good night nurse"

[goswannies]

My daughter, who's a doctor, says unfortunately in most cases these infections mean "good night nurse"

Most cases, probably right as
one devistating problem with these infections is that they can be treated and the person might appear to be "cured" ... for a time ... then it might rear its nasty little head. Almost like remission & relapse. It really depends on the cause ... and the symptoms. My understanding in AJ's case is the cause is still essentially unknown. Unfortunately in AJ's case the recurring symptom seems to be graft failure, which for an ACL reconstruction is catastrophic. If he has it reconstructed again ... again ... he might get 10 months or 10 years out of it ... or 10 days.

But it ultimately comes down to player & club. The surgeon can say "I recommend that you give up"; the player can either agree or say "thanks, but this is my career & I'm going to keep going"; the club can then say "we'll persist as we know you've got the talent" or the Club can say "it's time". There comes a time when enough is enough, it's just a matter of realising when that time is ... by all parties. Good luck AJ, whichever way it goes ...

[liz]

'Why can't I?': Swans defender Alex Johnson using Daniel Menzel's return as inspiration - AFL.com.au

Some news on Johnson. Nothing overly positive, other than the fact he still hasn't given up on his dream.

[The Big Cat]

Lengthy interview on SEN this afternoon with Tom Harley re AJ. Still chasing answers from specialists. Everything taken out of his knee again and it's settled down. The problem with these infections is they blossom when alien material is inserted. Could go with a natural graft, but you need screws and clips to attached stuff. Tough situation, but Harley says AJ is upbeat and looking forward to his next operation whenever they can find a positive avenue to pursue.

http://www.sen.com.au/audio#xrh9EaRVDqS3B2h3.97

[YvonneH]

Is there a possibility that if it doesn't work next time (heaven forbid) that Alex would stay on in a coaching role as he is doing that now?

[swansrob]

Is there a possibility that if it doesn't work next time (heaven forbid) that Alex would stay on in a coaching role as he is doing that now?

I'm assuming that's already on the coaching team's mind - and perhaps his - even if it hasn't been said out loud.

[neilfws]

Just saw this post from Dan Menzel suggesting that reconstruction 5 is on the cards!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZbygbuKY_/

[dimelb]

Just saw this post from Dan Menzel suggesting that reconstruction 5 is on the cards!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZbygbuKY_/

Just saw this. I hope it's true and I hope it works this time. Even with the little we've seen I think he could become a great player.

I wonder if a traditional operation would be less likely to precipitate infection?

[The Big Cat]

I wonder if a traditional operation would be less likely to precipitate infection?

Certainly the artificial stuff is a magnet for infections. It's common in people with replacement joints etc. A traditional Reco has a better chance, but the problem is that even traditional recos require pins and screws etc. Maybe the orthopods have new techniques that can circumvent this.