Foley still a factor for TigersBy Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
2:32pm AEDT Friday, February 15, 2013THE TIGERS admit they don't know when midfielder Nathan Foley will return to the field but are confident his career is not over.
The 27-year-old hasn't played since round 10 last year after he partially tore his achilles tendon at training when he pressing for a return from a stuff hip injury.
He underwent surgery and spent three months in a moon boot.
Recently, Foley ramped up his workload and showed encouraging signs when he ran 20 short sprints at full pace and recorded times similar to those he posted pre-injury.
Coach Damien Hardwick said the club would not be rushed trying to get the ball winner back on the field.
"He's going well. Obviously with the achilles, it does take some time," Hardwick said.
"Whether it's round one or four, we're not quite sure.
"We're in no rush with Nathan, he's an important player for us and we've just got to make sure he gets the stability back in his lower calf and we'll work from there.
"We've got no doubt he'll come back and be a fine contributor for us."
Jake King (knee) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring) are the two other longer-term propositions but both are aiming for the round one clash with Carlton on March 28 at the MCG.
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