Burton, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Collingwood in round 15 last season, had previously been restricted to upper body weights and bike work, but has now been given the all-clear to begin running in straight lines.
It will be months before the 30-year-old will be able to attempt changing direction on his reconstructed knee, but Adelaide physical performance manager Stephen Schwerdt said Burton was on track to resume playing in the latter half of season 2009.
“I’m never surprised with anything Brett does because, as far as preparation for an elite athlete goes, he’s as good as there is,” Schwerdt said on Friday.
“If you wanted an athlete to model yourself on in terms of how to get over a knee reconstruction, Brett’s it because he’ll leave no stone unturned.”
Another heart-warming sight for Crows fans was that of unlucky forward Trent Hentschel, who has commenced pre-season training with the main group.
Hentschel, who hasn’t played since wrecking his knee against Port Adelaide in round 21, 2006, relied on a heavy brace for the majority of last season, but appeared on Thursday and Friday without so much as strapping around the joint.
The popular 25-year-old worked his way back to the SANFL last season and was on the verge of an AFL return before a series of hamstring complaints put an end to his 2008 campaign.
Schwerdt said Hentschel was finally injury free and preparing for a big pre-season.
“Trent has trained hard over the break. The thing that probably hampered him last year wasn’t the knee … but it was more that he had some troubles with his hamstring, which was a by-product of the initial injury he had,” he said.
“Trent’s done a lot of work on that and he trained both yesterday and today and is moving well".
Crows coach Neil Craig said Hentschel was eyeing off a return to the AFL in round one.
“Trent is going to be treated as just a normal player … His rehab has finished and he’s now putting himself up to do a full pre-season and he’ll be selected on his merits,” Craig said.
“I’m sure he’s looking at NAB Cup and round one.”
Craig identified Hentschel, who was offered a new one-year deal last season, and 19-year-old tall James Sellar, who has played just one AFL game, as two players that needed to stand up in the new season.
“It’s an important year for James and it’s an important year for Trent Hentschel,” he said.
“It’s time now for those guys to step up another level, no question.”
Craig was also expecting big things from defender Graham Johncock.
Johncock, who is nursing a slight hamstring strain, was sent back to the SANFL last season after failing to meet the necessary standards of preparation.
“I spoke to Graham at length this morning,” Craig said.
“His attitude is outstanding and he’s really looking forward to playing.”
