Injury management

[Ralph Dawg]

I don't remember now exactly where I read it, Meg, but what Mel_C has written sounds exactly as I recall it (except that I didn't remember it being Pridham who said it). It was fairly recent (i.e. a few weeks ago).

I also didn't realise Tom Cross had been with us so long. Here's his comments on the difference between AFL and NRL:

In AFL there’s approximately two hours of exposure time in the game and some players are on the field for most of that. In turn, they’re at risk of soft tissue and bony injuries, so there are more overuse injuries in AFL than NRL. In NRL, there are many more collision injuries given the nature of the front-on tackling and the number of collisions in the game. They come from this article: Coffee with Cynthia: Dr Tom Cross - sydneyswans.com.au.

Although most injuries have accepted protocols for diagnosis and treatment, all injuries are unique to some extent. This is where a health practitioners experience comes to the fore.

For example, if a physio has treated many ACLs, specifically in AFL players, then they will be more able to fine tune a rehab program specific to that particular player's injury and requirements. If they have only ever looked after NRL knees, then their ability to be intuitive about an AFL knee, especially if it starts to deviate from the usual, is not as good as someone who has the experience.

In medicine and healthcare in general, we try to practice in a robust, evidence based way. However, there is still no substitute for specific experience in a particular patients, particular problem.

[Meg]

For example, if a physio has treated many ACLs, specifically in AFL players, then they will be more able to fine tune a rehab program specific to that particular player's injury and requirements. If they have only ever looked after NRL knees, then their ability to be intuitive about an AFL knee, especially if it starts to deviate from the usual, is not as good as someone who has the experience.

Yes that makes sense at the beginning of a medico move from rugby to AFL. But over time, s/he will gain the required experience.

That’s why I was a bit surprised when the comment about medical expertise disadvantage was attributed to the Swans as Dr Tom Cross now has many years experience with the Swans (off and on as an assistant from 1998, now as head doctor since 2016).

However the comment actually came from GWS. And looking at their medical staff listing, there are a lot of quite recent appointments coming from rugby backgrounds. Specifically their Chief Medical Officer only joined the Giants at the beginning of this season from Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL. So he is still in his on-the-job learning phase as far as AFL injuries are concerned.

Possibly GWS looked interstate for a medical doctor with AFL experience before they made this appointment but found anyone suitable wanted additional remuneration to move to Sydney. Hence Shepherd’s comment.

[Ralph Dawg]

I'm really conflicted by the potential recruitment of Bennell.

Yes, lots of upside. We all remember how he used to play, when fit at GC.

I'm happy to accept the story that he is a reformed citizen now since the birth of his first child. I suspect Micky O will keep an eye on him and it might even be a good opportunity for Goodesy to re-engage via some mentoring for Bennell.

But I am concerned about his calf. It's an injury 2 lots of medicos haven't been able to fix for about 4 years. Coupled with the fact that our medical team seems to have had their own struggles of late, I do worry whether he really will be able to stay on the park.

[cherub]

I'm really conflicted by the potential recruitment of Bennell.

Yes, lots of upside. We all remember how he used to play, when fit at GC.

I'm happy to accept the story that he is a reformed citizen now since the birth of his first child. I suspect Micky O will keep an eye on him and it might even be a good opportunity for Goodesy to re-engage via some mentoring for Bennell.

But I am concerned about his calf. It's an injury 2 lots of medicos haven't been able to fix for about 4 years. Coupled with the fact that our medical team seems to have had their own struggles of late, I do worry whether he really will be able to stay on the park.

I agree entirely. He didn't get past playing for Peel on yet another comeback. He wasn't subject to the intensity of AFL, and his calves still didn't hold up. Freo had sent him to the specialist in Germany, so it's not like they didn't seek out specialist expertise.

[Blood Fever]

I agree entirely. He didn't get past playing for Peel on yet another comeback. He wasn't subject to the intensity of AFL, and his calves still didn't hold up. Freo had sent him to the specialist in Germany, so it's not like they didn't seek out specialist expertise.

The club must have some positive information on his latest medical situation. Added to this, he will fly under the radar in Sydney and be surrounded by quality people in a very good culture. Upside is big.

[Nico]

I'm really conflicted by the potential recruitment of Bennell.

Yes, lots of upside. We all remember how he used to play, when fit at GC.

I'm happy to accept the story that he is a reformed citizen now since the birth of his first child. I suspect Micky O will keep an eye on him and it might even be a good opportunity for Goodesy to re-engage via some mentoring for Bennell.

But I am concerned about his calf. It's an injury 2 lots of medicos haven't been able to fix for about 4 years. Coupled with the fact that our medical team seems to have had their own struggles of late, I do worry whether he really will be able to stay on the park.

My take on AFL club medical teams; most clubs have the same recurring soft tissue injuries and it is my belief that all clubs medicos share their methods. In any one year it is the luck of the draw. We can throw up as many theories as we want but it seems too coincidental to be seen as anything else. Before the game they all run around doing the high leg lifts. I bet other club supporters are bemoaning their medical teams right now.