Axe Man
18-02-2014, 10:31 AM
414
Link (http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/dashing-defender-easton-wood-hopes-he-is-over-hamstring-woes/story-fndv8weh-1226829756257)
WESTERN Bulldogs are confident defender Easton Wood has corrected a leg strength imbalance that threatened to derail his career.
Wood, who managed only five games last season, was sent to Victoria University to undertake an advanced biomechanical program last year after suffering repeated hamstring problems in both legs.
The dashing defender was told to reduce his quad bulk and adjust his running gait to relieve the strain it was placing on his hamstring muscles.
The Dogs will unveil spearhead Stewart Crameri against St Kilda tomorrow night but Wood’s recovery and return to the backline have buoyed coaching staff after a rare flawless summer.
The 186cm Woodhas not missed a training session over summer and has regularly matched up on Crameri in match simulation sessions heading into their NAB Challenge opener against the Saints.
Wood, 24, had a stint in the VFL reserves last year before breaking into the seniors to play the last four games of the season, including wins against Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Senior assistant coach Brent Montgomery said the club was pleased with the defender’s progress after two injury-riddled years.
“Easton has had a strong pre-season campaign where he has worked extremely hard to improve all areas of his game,” Montgomery said.
“He has some genuine power and explosiveness and we will look to broaden his role through the NAB Challenge games to maximise some of those strengths.”
Top draft pick Marcus Bontempelli will miss the game after copping a knock to his knee.
The No. 4 selection suffered bone bruising in a training fall but is expected to return to the main group next week.
The Dogs have carefully managed Bontempelli’s pre-season program and did not have him in the selection frame for the first pre-season game to help limit his load.
The Dogs were criticised for their lack of line-breaking run and outside polish early last year but forward Luke Dahlhaus said Bontempelli and second-year midfielder Jack Macrae would generate a lot of excitement on the wings.
“He (Bontempelli) has an amazing sidestep,” Dahlhaus said.
“He reminds me a lot of Jacko Macrae, they’re exactly the same player and I can see them in the future being great wingers for us, that’s for sure.”
Montgomery said the recruitment of Crameri from *!Essendon in a trade deal would have a ripple effect on the Dogs’ forward line.
“Stew has conducted himself as a true professional since arriving at the club,” Montgomery said.
“His biggest benefit will not just be on how many goals he kicks but on how he helps his fellow forwards.
“We’re looking forward to seeing some of that take shape, starting on Wednesday night.”
Link (http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/dashing-defender-easton-wood-hopes-he-is-over-hamstring-woes/story-fndv8weh-1226829756257)
WESTERN Bulldogs are confident defender Easton Wood has corrected a leg strength imbalance that threatened to derail his career.
Wood, who managed only five games last season, was sent to Victoria University to undertake an advanced biomechanical program last year after suffering repeated hamstring problems in both legs.
The dashing defender was told to reduce his quad bulk and adjust his running gait to relieve the strain it was placing on his hamstring muscles.
The Dogs will unveil spearhead Stewart Crameri against St Kilda tomorrow night but Wood’s recovery and return to the backline have buoyed coaching staff after a rare flawless summer.
The 186cm Woodhas not missed a training session over summer and has regularly matched up on Crameri in match simulation sessions heading into their NAB Challenge opener against the Saints.
Wood, 24, had a stint in the VFL reserves last year before breaking into the seniors to play the last four games of the season, including wins against Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Senior assistant coach Brent Montgomery said the club was pleased with the defender’s progress after two injury-riddled years.
“Easton has had a strong pre-season campaign where he has worked extremely hard to improve all areas of his game,” Montgomery said.
“He has some genuine power and explosiveness and we will look to broaden his role through the NAB Challenge games to maximise some of those strengths.”
Top draft pick Marcus Bontempelli will miss the game after copping a knock to his knee.
The No. 4 selection suffered bone bruising in a training fall but is expected to return to the main group next week.
The Dogs have carefully managed Bontempelli’s pre-season program and did not have him in the selection frame for the first pre-season game to help limit his load.
The Dogs were criticised for their lack of line-breaking run and outside polish early last year but forward Luke Dahlhaus said Bontempelli and second-year midfielder Jack Macrae would generate a lot of excitement on the wings.
“He (Bontempelli) has an amazing sidestep,” Dahlhaus said.
“He reminds me a lot of Jacko Macrae, they’re exactly the same player and I can see them in the future being great wingers for us, that’s for sure.”
Montgomery said the recruitment of Crameri from *!Essendon in a trade deal would have a ripple effect on the Dogs’ forward line.
“Stew has conducted himself as a true professional since arriving at the club,” Montgomery said.
“His biggest benefit will not just be on how many goals he kicks but on how he helps his fellow forwards.
“We’re looking forward to seeing some of that take shape, starting on Wednesday night.”