Foot surgery to help Yarran long-termHerald-Sun
12 April 2016CHRIS Yarran’s foot surgery will finally enable the silky playmaker to train and play at AFL intensity upon his return next month, according to Richmond.
The former Carlton utility is on track to return to senior action in 4-6 weeks after surgery on a serious foot problem that prevented Yarran from training at full capacity.
Coach Damien Hardwick has vowed to be bold at selection in coming weeks to help develop the Tigers’ prized young talent, saying “we don’t want to make up the numbers” in September after three-straight failed finals campaigns.
Hardwick admitted he was disappointed Yarran arrived for pre-season training out of shape but was adamant the damaging ball-user would be a valuable long-term addition.
Richmond handed over pick No. 19 for Yarran in last year’s trade period, which the Blues used on untried speedster David Cuningham.
“To be frank, the best thing that happened to him (Yarran) is this foot operation,” Hardwick said.
“It (the foot injury) hasn’t allowed him to train at anywhere near AFL levels which has reflected his performance over the last year-and-a-half at Carlton.
“We are really excited by the prospect we have had the opportunity to get the operation done and he is starting to run now (at training).
“We are really excited that when he comes back into the team, he is going to be able to play at AFL intensity and I think we are going to see the best of a very good player.”
Yarran was hampered by minor foot problems during his last year at Carlton.
Hardwick said Yarran’s physical condition at the start of preseason training was not ideal.
He attempted to ramp up his fitness early in the summer but was subsequently soon hit by a calf problem, derailing him further.
“We were disappointed with the condition Chris came back in, but we were also there to help him and make sure we get his best football out of him,” Hardwick said.
“He has got a long career ahead of him at Richmond and the important thing for us is to make him feel welcome and part of the place.”
Hardwick said the club had learnt valuable lessons in recent years and would maintain its faith in youngsters such as Corey Ellis, Ben Lennon and Daniel Rioli.
“We are going to be a little bit brave with our decision making and with selection in match committee and whilst we may have to take a little bit of heartburn, I certainly think in weeks to come you will see us move forward,” he said.
Brett Deledio is still a few weeks away from overcoming a quad setback.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/chris-yarrans-foot-surgery-will-allow-him-to-train-and-play-at-afl-intensity/news-story/38777770ad9864c9e89b302d012073a2
