Giansiracusa awaits report

[The Coon Dog]

Giansiracusa awaits report (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22956750%255E19742,00.html)

21 December 2007 - Herald Sun - Jon Ralph

BULLDOGS midfielder Daniel Giansiracusa is hoping a positive report from his specialist today will clear him to play some role in next year's NAB Cup.

Giansiracusa is yet to get an exact diagnosis on his December 7 right knee ligament strain that is expected to keep him out for up to eight weeks.

He visits a specialist today aware that an improved scan will not only see him fit for the season proper, but with peace of mind.

The 25-year-old will marry long-time sweetheart Kelly in Elsternwick this Saturday, followed by a 10-day honeymoon in Thailand's Koh Samui.

Giansiracusa has been given permission to remove his cumbersome leg brace for the wedding, and hopes to be back running by late January.

"We haven't really set down when it will be," he said of a return to training.

"It's more once the brace comes off we will figure out what is going on. I go and see my specialist (today) and I will probably get it scanned again because last time they scanned it there was a lot of blood around. Hopefully it will be fine and I can get mobile again."

Before being hurt Giansiracusa had built a solid base of fitness which he hopes he can retain with some boxing and cross-training.

"It was just a drill and I went to change direction and I didn't go to ground or anything," he said of the injury.

"I have been doing some walking and standing boxing skills and plenty of swimming but there's nothing like running so hopefully after the break I can get back running.

"It's always frustrating to get injured in the pre-season, especially when you have got past the running and are about to get into the exciting bit with the games, but I was pretty fit before I got injured."

Giansiracusa this week joined his teammates on a three-day camp at Wilsons Promontory, and says after a taxing nine-week pre-Christmas block, the Dogs are fit and motivated.

Last season the likes of Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy, Luke Darcy, Adam Cooney and Tim Walsh all missed plenty of the pre-season with injury complaints.

"We are really fit, which everyone is at this time of the year, but we have put some weight on and kept it on," Giansiracusa said.

"We have some niggles, but nothing that are set-backs. Last year there were guys with knees that take 18 months to recover from, and it's good to see those guys are going well.

"Mitch Hahn and Murph are the ones really leading the way on the training track."

[Go_Dogs]

Again I'm glad to hear the words, "put the weight on, and kept it on". It's something we have struggled in the past, and it seems the results of the last few pre-seasons are really starting to show their benefits.

Let's hope Gia's scan is positive, and he can get back to training asap.

[hujsh]

Good to also hear that Murph and Hahn are tearing it up. That's all they lacked last year

[Dogs 24/7]

Good to also hear that Murph and Hahn are tearing it up. That's all they lacked last year

Important players for us in 2008. If they can get through the pre season with a solid fitness base then they will make a big difference for us.

[GVGjr]

The Sunday Hun has pictures of Gia's wedding if anyone is interested.

[Max469]

The Sunday Hun has pictures of Gia's wedding if anyone is interested.

And what lovely pics of Kelly and Gia they are.

Nice to see Murph and Big Will all dressed up too.

Best of luck to them. :)

[Dogs 24/7]

And what lovely pics of Kelly and Gia they are.

Nice to see Murph and Big Will all dressed up too.

Best of luck to them. :)

I see Nathan Brown was in the group as well.

[Max469]

I see Nathan Brown was in the group as well.


Who?

[LostDoggy]

Who?

Mitch Brown's brother.


DUH!

[Max469]

Mitch Brown's brother.


DUH!

Nathan Brown happens to be someone who I wish to forget.

I was not a fan of his when he was at our club - even less since he left.

All the same I would not wish the injury problems he has had on anyone.

[hujsh]

Nathan Brown happens to be someone who I wish to forget.

I was not a fan of his when he was at our club - even less since he left.

All the same I would not wish the injury problems he has had on anyone.

I know people won't like this but it wasn't that upset for him. Partly because of karma and he still gets a big fat paycheck every year. Plenty of people get injured without the money/help from Richmond so he is, in a way, lucky

[LostDoggy]

Browny, has remained close to quite a few of the players to this day. They will always be mates.

Pity the weather wasn't a little kinder to Daniel and Kell but I am sure they weathered the storm ;). Good photos in the H Sun.

[Max469]

I know people won't like this but it wasn't that upset for him. Partly because of karma and he still gets a big fat paycheck every year. Plenty of people get injured without the money/help from Richmond so he is, in a way, lucky

Agree with this but still don't like to see people no matter who they are and the circumstances - get injured

[hujsh]

Agree with this but still don't like to see people no matter who they are and the circumstances - get injured

That's fair enough. No one would like to see bad injuries like that

[LostDoggy]

Again I'm glad to hear the words, "put the weight on, and kept it on". It's something we have struggled in the past, and it seems the results of the last few pre-seasons are really starting to show their benefits.

Let's hope Gia's scan is positive, and he can get back to training asap.

He has a fair bit to prove so this injury isn't great news for him or the club. Lets hope that he can somehow maintain his fitness.

[The Coon Dog]

He has a fair bit to prove so this injury isn't great news for him or the club. Lets hope that he can somehow maintain his fitness.

To who? The people on an internet forum, or the coaching staff?

[LostDoggy]

To who? The people on an internet forum, or the coaching staff?

To everyone really but mainly himself. He hasn't developed into the footballer that he is capable of in fact he has slipped back to the pack a bit. There are of course some injuries that have hampered his career but a few years back when he wrecked a finger he was in line to challenge for the B&F and hasn't reached that standard since.

I'm a fan of his but this injury might not allow him to show everyone what he is capable of and he does need a good season and we need a good one from him.

Could you enlighten me why what I said has attracted the "people on an internet forum" response?

[The Coon Dog]

Could you enlighten me why what I said has attracted the "people on an internet forum" response?

I believe Gia attracts far more criticism that he deserves.

Talk to people at the club & it's all positive, particularly the leadership he displays, which is in stark contrast to the derogatory comments that appear about him from 'people on internet forums', hence my comment.

I get sick & tired of Gia being maligned about his softness, or lack of leadership etc... when Gia never fails to go when it's his turn, runs much more than people realise to create space etc..., is prepared to sacrifice his own game for the sake of the team without many noticing.

It just appears he's an easy target, tho those who really know don't feel that way!

[BulldogBelle]

I'm a fan of his but this injury might not allow him to show everyone what he is capable of and he does need a good season and we need a good one from him.

The injury will definitely slow him down a little and will put him behind the 8 ball so to speak in that it hampers his pre-season. I do agree with you though he needs to have a good season.

[hujsh]

I believe Gia attracts far more criticism that he deserves.

Talk to people at the club & it's all positive, particularly the leadership he displays, which is in stark contrast to the derogatory comments that appear about him from 'people on internet forums', hence my comment.

I get sick & tired of Gia being maligned about his softness, or lack of leadership etc... when Gia never fails to go when it's his turn, runs much more than people realise to create space etc..., is prepared to sacrifice his own game for the sake of the team without many noticing.

It just appears he's an easy target, tho those who really know don't feel that way!

I remember in the NAB Cup when he played in the middle and got a fair bit of the ball but my dad (a Geelong supporter with no Gia influence) said he was hopeless. People just seem to not like him.

I do think he has dropped back a bit this year after his 06 was actually great when he was fit (which is hard when everytime you have a good game you get injured for 3-4 weeks) but he is always learning. Ever since he missed a game winning goal against the Tigers his accuracy for goal has improved, especially at the important moments.

I was surprised when i heard the leadership qualities that the club says he has because he doesn't seem like a leader.

I have said this before but Gia seems to have made a habit of playing well when we lose which makes his performance seem less spectatular but suggests to me that he is worth his spot in the side.

[GVGjr]

I remember in the NAB Cup when he played in the middle and got a fair bit of the ball but my dad (a Geelong supporter with no Gia influence) said he was hopeless. People just seem to not like him.

I do think he has dropped back a bit this year after his 06 was actually great when he was fit (which is hard when everytime you have a good game you get injured for 3-4 weeks) but he is always learning. Ever since he missed a game winning goal against the Tigers his accuracy for goal has improved, especially at the important moments.

I was surprised when i heard the leadership qualities that the club says he has because he doesn't seem like a leader.

I have said this before but Gia seems to have made a habit of playing well when we lose which makes his performance seem less spectatular but suggests to me that he is worth his spot in the side.

Gia is an assertive member of the team and that is why he is regarded as a leader. I have been to club functions and training sessions etc and the players listen when Gia is speaking. He is also very dedicated.

I agree with the comment I highlighted.

[aker39]

I see Nathan Brown was in the group as well.


I think I read last week that he was in the Bridal Party.

[LostDoggy]

I think I read last week that he was in the Bridal Party.
I think it was reported that he was a groomsman

[FrediKanoute]

S does anyone know how his scan went?

[BulldogBelle]

S does anyone know how his scan went?

As far as I know there hasn't been any updated news results.

[Dry Rot]

As far as I know there hasn't been any updated news results.

Any official updates since then?

[BulldogBelle]

Any official updates since then?

No, nothing as yet.

[LostDoggy]

Get On The Case Barry!;)

[al_smith07]

I spoke to gia today straight after he went to see his specialist, He was relived and said the results come back better than expected.

[FrediKanoute]

Hooray!!!!! Great news for Gia nad the club. Having him at the start of the season will be a bonus!

[Dogs 24/7]

I spoke to gia today straight after he went to see his specialist, He was relived and said the results come back better than expected.

Brilliant news.Any news if he can start full on training ?

[al_smith07]

I kind of zoned out after he said he was ok, Im pretty sure he said he will be running in two weeks.
He also said the only people that are struggling with injury is Skipper with his leg, Street with his knee and Grant hadnt done much because of his wrist

[BulldogBelle]

I kind of zoned out after he said he was ok, Im pretty sure he said he will be running in two weeks.

Excellent news al, thanks for sharing it with us.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Excellent news al, thanks for sharing it with us.

Yep - good one

As much as we get frustrated with Gia, he's still a class act with plenty of room for improvement

[Dry Rot]

I kind of zoned out after he said he was ok, Im pretty sure he said he will be running in two weeks.
He also said the only people that are struggling with injury is Skipper with his leg, Street with his knee and Grant hadnt done much because of his wrist

Thanks for that.

[The Coon Dog]

I spoke with Rocket this afternoon. Very encouraged by Gia's prognosis & is on target to play in Round 1. Fitness will determine whether that's at Williamstown or Western Bulldogs.

[LostDoggy]

I spoke with Rocket this afternoon. Very encouraged by Gia's prognosis & is on target to play in Round 1. Fitness will determine whether that's at Williamstown or Western Bulldogs.

I think Gia will do everything in his power to be fit by round 1. He seems a pretty determined person.

[LostDog]

yeah Jade Rawlings tole me last night Gea was fine, he was in Devonport with Brady good friends of mine still has a lot of contact with the boys, said beware of Farren Ray this year

[LostDoggy]

yeah Jade Rawlings tole me last night Gea was fine, he was in Devonport with Brady good friends of mine still has a lot of contact with the boys, said beware of Farren Ray this year

As in how?

Competition beware he's a gun?

[LostDog]

Big things for Farren this year, hopefully a full season of the form he showed in the elim final in 2006

[LostDoggy]

I believe Gia attracts far more criticism that he deserves.

Talk to people at the club & it's all positive, particularly the leadership he displays, which is in stark contrast to the derogatory comments that appear about him from 'people on internet forums', hence my comment.

I get sick & tired of Gia being maligned about his softness, or lack of leadership etc... when Gia never fails to go when it's his turn, runs much more than people realise to create space etc..., is prepared to sacrifice his own game for the sake of the team without many noticing.

It just appears he's an easy target, tho those who really know don't feel that way!

Couldn't agree more, he cops way too much unwarranted criticism and always shows good courage and leadership.

It's good to hear about the scans, hopefully he'll be right for a big 2008.