Polak makes a welcome return to Tigerland
Lyall Johnson | August 2, 2008
BEFORE Richmond took to Subiaco Oval three weeks ago to thump West Coast, the Tiger players were told their injured backman, Graham Polak, who had suffered serious head injuries when struck by a tram, would be watching from his hospital bed in Melbourne.
As the Tigers overran the Eagles following a slow start, television commentators could be heard to muse whether the thought of their stricken teammate looking on had somehow given them a boost.
If indeed it did, then get your money on Richmond to knock off the Cats today after Polak made a surprise visit to Punt Road Oval yesterday morning for the first time since he left the Epworth Hospital on Wednesday to watch his teammates train.
Polak arrived with his manager, Paul Connors, and watched training for half an hour before moving into the gym to renew acquaintances with his teammates.
There he spoke with almost all the players and coaches, appearing relaxed and very pleased to be back in the rooms and among them.
When the team was called in for a team meeting, Polak was invited along and shared jokes with the group before listening as further plans were laid out for today's clash with the Cats.
Speaking after training, assistant coach Brian Royal said Polak's appearance had been a pleasant surprise for the club.
"It's fantastic. We were a bit surprised. We knew that Graham had got out of hospital on Wednesday but for Graham to walk into the club was overwhelming for the players and it's just terrific to see him back," Royal said.
"It's been a tough few weeks with everything that's happened with Graham and happened to the Richmond Football Club, so to see Graham walk into the rooms this morning just put a smile on everyone's face."
Royal said Polak's unscheduled appearance was probably part of his rehabilitation and that he has "got an enormous amount of work in his recovery" before there can be any thought of returning to football, if, indeed, that is what Polak wants to do, or is able to do.
"I went and saw Graham probably about a week after the accident happened and he was probably in a pretty ordinary state at that stage and to see him now and where he's come, he's come a long way but I guess we all realise he's got a long way to go and as a footy club, we have got to be very, very supportive of Graham in whichever direction that takes him," Royal said.
But will it translate to a lift for the Tigers against the Cats?
"I hope it does," Royal said. 'Geelong are a very, very good football side, so every one per cent we can gain …
"No doubt we're all feeling really happy for Graham — he's made the place a happier place because he's come back."
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