Brown's half-game AFL comeback a success
The Age
February 23, 2006 - 8:05PM
Richmond forward Nathan Brown has reached an encouraging milestone in his AFL comeback, playing half a practice match with no apparent trouble.
It was Brown's first competitive hitout since the sickening round-10 injury last year that seriously damaged his right leg.
The two-time All-Australian forward, one of the Tigers' most important players, turned out for their reserve side Coburg in a trial match against the Kangaroos seconds at Optus Oval.
Provided Brown pulls up well in the next day or so, Richmond is confident the hitout confirms he is on track for a round-one return.
"He was keen to play a bit more, but it was always our plan for him just to play a half," said Richmond football manager Paul Armstrong.
"Nathan was pleased to get through it, it went well and he's pulled up okay.
"The aim has always been for him to return in round one and at the moment, he's on the schedule we've set.
"Nothing has held him back so far, fingers crossed."
Brown needed two screws inserted in his right leg after he suffered a double break at Telstra Dome in a Friday-night match against Melbourne.
Demons defender Matthew Whelan had fallen across Brown's leg while trying to smother a kick.
Meanwhile, the AFL's rules changes continue to generate concerns among players on the eve of the NAB Cup pre-season competition.
Respected Collingwood defender James Clement, a two-time All-Australian, said the league might have created "a monster".
The rule changes are designed to encourage a more continuous and open playing style.
"The speed (of the game) has gotten to a stage where it's almost ridiculous and you've got to start questioning how fast the game can get," Clement said.
"Once again they (the AFL) have tinkered with the game and they might have created a monster."
Richmond captain Kane Johnson also had his concerns, saying: "It's going to cause a very uncontested game of football.
"You're not going to have control over your opponent because of these new rules.
"I'm not convinced of the new rules as yet, but I think it's going to be bloody hard work for the players that are out there."
Hawks skipper Richie Vandenberg agreed that the changes meant players would have less rest time on the field during play.
The NAB Cup opens on Friday night with the Western Bulldogs hosting Melbourne in Darwin and Brisbane playing Essendon at Carrara on the Gold Coast.
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