Tenacious Richmond small defender Steven Morris made a successful comeback from a serious knee injury with the Tigers’ VFL team in a practice match against Collingwood last Thursday at Punt Road.
Morris, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Richmond’s Round 11, 2016 clash with North Melbourne at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena, played half a game and emerged unscathed and buoyant about his football future.
“I didn’t have too many expectations about today, it was just more about going out there and enjoying footy again,” Morris told ‘Roar Vision’.
“It’s pretty monotonous in ‘rehab’, as you’ll hear most people who have had long-term injuries say.
“So, to be able to get out there amongst a really enthusiastic group of blokes, who are playing good footy at the moment, was really exciting . . .
“I couldn’t wait for it, and really enjoyed it when I was out there.”
Morris admitted he was a bit rusty in his first game back after missing so much football . . .
“It takes time, when you’re on the sidelines for 10 months. But I went out there, played a half, and the body’s pulled up absolutely perfect,” he said.
“Hopefully, over the next few weeks, I can really improve and get back out there (at senior level) as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, however, Morris is quite content to be working his way back to fitness and form at VFL level.
“Any AFL player would be lying if they said their number one ambition was to run around in the VFL. But I play footy because I love it, and when it’s taken away from you, you probably become more grateful for it,” he said.
“As much as it is a VFL practice match, as a footy club, we’re pretty series about having success this year, whether it’s at VFL level or AFL level . . .
“To be a part of that, at the VFL level at the moment is really exciting.
“I’m just happy to be back out there . . . and looking forward to next week.”
