Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch credits the Crows’ high performance team and a strong mindset for fast tracking his recovery from a shoulder injury.
The 29-year-old suffered a knock in the first quarter of Adelaide’s Round 12 game against Hawthorn at the MCG and subsequent scans confirmed a right AC joint injury.
Despite originally being a long-term injury, Crouch will make his return to competitive football this weekend after being selected in the side which will play Geelong.
Crouch was ready to make his comeback last weekend after being selected in the SANFL side but missed the game due to illness.
“I had the AC joint repair (surgery) eight weeks ago now,” Crouch told AFC Media.
“Initially we thought it would be the rest of the season that I’d be missing but through my rehab, I’ve been able to build some strength back into it.
“The HPT (high performance team) staff have been awesome. Josh Manuel (Head of Strength and Athletic Development) in the weights room has been massive for me, and some of the physios and the work they do is much appreciated.
“Once I got the surgery done it was about in my mind trying to get back and play, I knew it was a longer injury but I always had the aim of getting to play.”
Crouch said he had continued running throughout the rehab process, which had helped keep him fit.
“It’s been pretty smooth sailing with this one and we’ve been able to do things as planned,” Crouch said.
“Because it’s a shoulder injury, I’ve been able to run a fair bit and use my legs.
“But the (rehab process) has been about strengthening my shoulder and getting some range back in that as well.
“I’m really excited to get back out there.”
Adelaide takes on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday at 4.05pm (ACST).
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Fox Footy and Kayo.
