Camden Cats club captain Josiah “Joey” Ayling is on track to make his highly anticipated return from long-term injury at the start of the 2015 season.
Ayling tore ligaments in his left ankle after twisting awkwardly during the first quarter of the Cats round 11 game against North Shore last year.
The injury appeared at first to be a simple sprain to the ankle, with Ayling requiring trainer assistance to leave the field. Further examination from the club’s physio staff at the ground and scans on the injury the following day confirmed the club and Ayling’s worst fears, a season ending ligament tear.
With Ayling out for the remainder of the 2014 season, Camden’s premiership aspirations were dealt a blow. The injury also effectively ruled Ayling out of contention for the Sanders Medal (the AFL Sydney division two competition’s best and fairest award), having taken home the award in 2012 and 2013.
Ayling still managed to finish second in Camden’s best and fairest award, polling votes in the majority of the 10 games he played prior to the injury. The club’s best and fairest award was won by rugged defender Nick Hills.
Ayling says the rehabilitation on the injury has gone well and that he is on track to be fit and ready for action. “It was tough sitting on the sidelines watching the boys struggle through the final series last season. I’m keen to get back in 2015 and push hard for the ultimate goal, a premiership” he said.
A fit and healthy Ayling in the Cats side will add more firepower to a forward line that already includes sharpshooter and club leading goal kicker Matthew Lecek and goal sneak Shane Doherty, who both stepped up during Ayling’s absence.
Ayling and his team mates have already started pre-season training, with Ayling feeling no ill effects from his injury. "The ankle is 100% and has been for a while. I am keen to put in a good pre-season and get back out there" Ayling said. "And with Hughesy on-board (new coach Chris Hughes) and the recent recruitment of some talented players, the season is shaping up well" he said.
Last Modified on 06/02/2015 09:26
