Today, we delve into the archives of The Age newspaper for this report by football writer Greg Hobbs on a pre-season injury concern for Tigers captain and star ruckman Neville Crowe.
Richmond Football Club has called in a specialist to examine an injury which could seriously interfere with ruckman Neville Crowe’s pre-season preparation.
Crowe, who has been appointed captain again this year, injured his heel three weeks ago during a strenuous foot-running session.
“My right heel has shown little signs of improvement since and it is hard to say how long it will take to return to normal,” Crowe said yesterday.
A recent X-ray of the ankle cleared Crowe of any bone damage.
But Richmond, realising this could be a big year for the club, is concerned.
Tigers’ secretary Graeme Richmond said last night the next step would be for Crowe to have his ankle thoroughly examined by a specialist.
Crowe said: “I have not been able to put any pressure on my foot for three weeks, and it prevents me from running properly. I have had treatment, but it has not been much help.”
Richmond will train tonight on a Yarra Park oval opposite the Olympic Swimming Stadium.
Crowe said he would go to training, but would take his directions from the club doctor.
“I could train, but it would only aggravate the position. It is hard to know the extent of my injury and it will be interesting to see what happens when I put on football boots.”
Full-forward Mick Erwin is doing regular exercises to help strengthen his injured knee and club officials believe he will not have to undergo a cartilage operation.
Erwin suffered the injury late last season and recently, after a cross country run, pulled up sore.
Defender Barry Cameron had an operation on his knee on February 1 and he should be back in training within two weeks.
Half-forward John Northey, who gave Richmond his best season last year, has moved from his farm and Derrinallum to live in Melbourne for the football season.
Northey’s brother, Rodney, will manage the farm during the season.
Centre half-back Kevin Smith is back in Melbourne from his home town, Corryong, and ruckman Neil Busse is training at Benalla before returning here to resume university studies.
