Tom has the eye of the TigerBy Tony Greenberg
Mon 20 Dec, 2010Tom Hislop is a determined character. So, when he says he’s determined to repay Richmond’s faith in him, you get a strong sense of the steely resolve burning within him.
The 22-year-old was delisted by the Tigers at the end of an injury-riddled season in 2010, but was subsequently handed a lifeline at Punt Road, via the recent AFL rookie draft.
He is now totally focused on regaining full fitness and maximising the opportunity Richmond has provided him with.
“They could easily have said that’s it, because I haven’t played many games since I’ve been here, with all the injuries I’ve had,” Hislop said.
“So, I’m definitely wanting to get back out there and repay the Club for the faith they’ve shown in me.”
Hislop managed just three senior games in 2010 with Richmond, after 12 appearances in his debut season for the Club the previous year.
He was diagnosed with a bipartite patella in both knees - a rare condition affecting the kneecap.
“The problem with the knees started around Christmas time last year. By the time the NAB Cup came around, I was actually getting a jab in them each game to be able to play,” Hislop said.
“I was in the team for Round 1, but the knees got too sore after that . . . I held off for a few weeks, but it was just getting too much. So, the Club said it was in my best interests to get the surgery done and get the knees right for next year, and they’d put me on the rookie list.
“I had an extra bit of bone in both my kneecaps, which I had to get taken out. After the operation, I ended up getting tendonitis in both my knees. So, I haven’t really run since then.
“But in the last week I’ve seen a fair bit of improvement in them, so, hopefully, I’ll be ready to start running by the time I get back from the Christmas break.
“It’ll just be nice to get back out there and train . . . there’s only so much boxing and swimming you can do!
“I’m doing everything I can now, so that when I come back from the break, I won’t be playing too much catch-up.”
For the 2011 season, Hislop has been earmarked for an inside midfield role, with bursts as a high half-forward - the Club keen to utilise his hardness and aggression.
“When I was a junior, I played all midfield, so it’ll be good to be back there,” he said.
“I’ll just focus on winning the hard footy and keep working on the defensive side of my game - tackling and that sort of thing.
“But I’m not putting pressure on myself to be ready to go by Round 1, because that’s unlikely.
“As keen as I am to get back out there, I don’t want to rush back before I’m ready.
“When I do come back, I really want to grasp the opportunity with both hands and have an impact.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/106362/default.aspx
