Polak thread [merged]

[tiogar]

Good luck to the bloke. Great to see a fighter get going.

[the_boy_jake]

Great news.

No idea whats going on though... a few weeks back there was something saying that Polak would be put on the LTI list as there was only hope for him to play under "highly controlled conditions" whatever that means.

[mightytiges]

If Polly was on the LTIL he couldn't play at any level except in an intraclub scratch match. Our medical staff must now think he'll be okay to try out in a uncontrolled AFL practice match after getting through the Coburg practice game last week. Fingers crossed his goes alright and gets through unscathed  .

Nahas or any of our other rookies will have to wait now to round 11 to get a shot at promotion provided touchwood no one cops a long-term injury.

[Smokey]

Nahas or any of our other rookies will have to wait now to round 11 to get a shot at promotion provided touchwood no one cops a long-term injury.

Any chance they might put Pettifer on the LTI list to promote one of these guys?

[one-eyed]

‘Amazing’ Polak still far from AFL
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
Tue 24 March, 2009

EVERYTHING is relative. For Graham Polak, even more so.

Polak’s recovery after being hit by a tram in the middle of last year has been amazing, but that’s not the same thing as being able to walk straight back into the Tigers’ best 22.

The 24-year-old was held in an induced coma after the accident, but has recovered to the extent that he has played for the Coburg seniors in recent weeks.

However Richmond director of coaching Brian Royal said Polak was still a long way from adding to his 106 AFL games.

“We’ve been absolutely amazed at how well Graham’s come back,” he told richmondfc.com.au.

“His training form is slowly getting better, and we’ve just got to be very careful here with Graham, because everyone’s hopeful of where he can get back to, but we’ve still got to be very, very cautious about how we manage that.

“On the weekend (before last) he played against Williamstown for our VFL side Coburg, and has probably played his best footy since the accident.

“We were really pleased – he kicked a couple of goals, missed a couple as well, and took some really strong marks.”

Despite the hit-out, Royal said a return to top-flight football was a different matter and would proceed very slowly.

“We’ve just got to be careful on how quickly we push him, because he does get tired very, very easily ... and he’s quite forgetful.

“They’re little things that hopefully over time will sort themselves out – his memory is going to get better, but there’s still a long way to go ... As much as we’re pushing him up, people have got to believe that this is part of the rehabilitation.”

“We were actually surprised that he played VFL seniors on the weekend.

“Obviously we want to give him the best opportunity – he was keen, and he stood up.”

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/73610/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Wallace also indicated Graham Polak was moving closer to senior VFL football as he recovered from being hit by a tram last year. Polak has played five VFL reserves games this year.

“It’s a long road back from a major injury … he really needs to lift his rating up a little bit so we can get him back into trying to play VFL senior level,” Wallace said. “Until he can take that step on a regular basis, it’s still another huge step to the AFL.”

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=12&ContentID=144931

[Moi]

Good luck, Graham :-)

[mightytiges]

Hard to see him remaining on our list beyond this year but the main thing is he's okay and able to live a normal life again after the accident. Ditto Moi. Best of luck Polly.

[Infamy]

Hopefully we can try to apply to the AFL for another exception to have him on the rookie list next year
It will mean his career is over otherwise so they may be more lenient this time round

[one-eyed]

However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

[F0551L]

not good to read that  for a while there i thought Polaxe was making steady progress  just hope the future is better for him

[WilliamPowell]

However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

I would hope that we give one last AFL game, perhaps in his home town of Perth in round 22

[tigersalive]

However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

I would hope that we give one last AFL game, perhaps in his home town of Perth in round 22

I'd love that but I also want to give due diligence to Polak's condition and that AFL might not be a safe level for him.

Sad to read though, wsa always going to be tough to make it back.   

[WilliamPowell]

I'd love that but I also want to give due diligence to Polak's condition and that AFL might not be a safe level for him.

Sad to read though, wsa always going to be tough to make it back.   

Certainly would depend on the medical OK but if it is possible, I'd like to see it happen 

[WA Tiger]

A real shame this is a true case of someone being struck down in the prime of their career, if it is true then all the best Polly........ what could have been..