Team man sidelined

by LES EVERETT

ONE of the bonuses Fremantle was expecting coming into the 2006 season was the return of Robert Haddrill.

The key defender played just three games in 2005 before heading off to have his ankle reconstructed. The good news was that heÍd completed the pre-season training program and ready for the first intra-club game in February.

A torn hamstring in that game sent Haddrill back to the path of rehabilitation he knew too well.

He was eased back into action via his WAFL team Perth and was again ready for action by mid June.

Haddrill made it back into the Fremantle team for the round 12 meeting with Geelong. It was to be fateful day. Not only did the Dockers suffer their worst defeat since 2001 but Haddrill tore the cartilage in a knee and brought his season to an end.

As Fremantle's season has gathered its incredible momentum Haddrill, who made his AFL debut during Fremantle's darkest season in 2001, has been confined to the gym working on maintaining strength and condition while his knee heals.

As an experienced member of the squad the 25-year-old who has played 57 games knows he has role to play. "I've got to stay positive when I'm around everyone. I can't let myself get down or caught up in my own situation," Haddrill said, "In one way I'm disappointed not to be out there but I'm still happy for everyone, especially the guys who have done it tough like Shane Parker and Shauny Mac and and those guys. It's great to see them get the opportunity to play a big game."

Haddrill believes experience and the development of a good team ethos are the s to Fremantle's recent success. "What stands out is the way we share the ball, the way we chase and tackle and the unselfishness is a lot more visible now than in the past.

"Bringing Shaun McManus and Troy Cook back into the side has added a dimension of experience and hardness at the ball and there's also that drive they've got to play in big games now they're coming to the end of their careers."

While we'll be willing the team on for the rest of 2006 Haddrill's personal drive is towards 2007.

"Hopefully the knee is fixed up now and I'll have another go next year."

From the Fremantle Herald.

8 September 2006

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