Jake Lever recollects Melbourne gamers “running on the spot” as final 12 months’s AFL premiership defence floor to a halt however expects the Demons to be in much better bodily form to assault the finals this season.
Simon Goodwin’s aspect completed second on the ladder in 2022 earlier than exiting the flag race with successive house defeats to Sydney and Brisbane within the finals.
The subsequent season overview led to a extra cautious method to harm administration, with gamers now extra prone to be given per week off when sore.
Premiership stars Michael Hibberd, Ben Brown and All-Australian defender Lever are amongst those that have been managed out of the aspect at phases by the opening six rounds of 2023.
Lever missed spherical 5 with a minor ankle challenge however returned to play a key position within the last-start win over Richmond.
“It was pretty precautionary to keep me out. I wasn’t happy, but that’s alright,” Lever informed AAP.
“It was something that we addressed last year. We thought that we let ourselves down and we let our injuries get too much of us.
“By the again half of the 12 months we had been all working on the spot principally.
“It was a really good freshen up and I walked into (Monday night’s game against Richmond) really confident.”
Lever stated harm administration had “absolutely” been a key focus heading into 2023, noting the already-arduous season has been prolonged by per week to incorporate Gather Round.
“There’s some injuries that you can play through but also remembering that it’s only round six,” Lever stated.
“It’s a pretty long year and AFL footy is getting tougher and tougher.”
Melbourne’s gritty comeback win over Richmond gave them a 4-2 document as they construct one other premiership case, which they hope to boost in Saturday evening’s conflict with North Melbourne on the MCG.
“Those two losses have been really disappointing and a bit of an eye opener for us,” Lever stated.
“We’ve seen that if we don’t put in the effort we can get really exposed.
“We’re simply making an attempt to play constant footy. The season’s on a roll now however we have simply bought to proceed to play the best way we wish to and hopefully that continues to tick over.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
