TonyK
CibbuanoBombers will be patient: Knights
October 10th 2008 07:23
ESSENDON is prepared to be patient with the rehabilitation of new signing Brent Prismall, according to coach Matthew Knights.
Prismall, who played just 25 games in four season with the Cats was on the verge of becoming a regular member of the Geelong side before sustaining a serious knee injury in this year’s qualifying final against St Kilda.
Knights said the fact that the 22-year-old will miss the start of next season did not deter the club from giving up their third round pick in November's national draft - pick 39 overall - in exchange for Prismall.
"We will work with Brent closely and be patient with him," Knights said.
"It's about his well-being and if he is ready for round four great, if he is ready in Round 6 great and if he is not ready until Round 12 then so be it."
"It will be all about what is best for Brent Prismall."
Knights was also delighted to have kept speedster Andrew Lovett, who had been linked with a move to Geelong after twice being dropped for disciplinary reasons by the Bombers in 2008.
"We were happy to work with clubs to try and do a deal with Andrew but now the deal hasn't been done it's a good opportunity for Andrew to come back and play really good footy and I'm sure he is going to be keen to do that,” he said.
Knights said the past few weeks will have been a reality check for Lovett.
"He has gone through this experience which is never healthy when you are not sure where your future is at but we have got to support him through that and as a coach I will sit down and work with Andrew."
"I'm not sure if it is the wake-up call that he needs but maybe the last few weeks have been an education for him going through this process."
"Andrew has got a pretty good understanding of what he needs to do but his football talents and his ability to play is unquestioned and what Andrew and I have got to work through is making sure his dedication is in check and if he does that I'm sure he will be a good player for us next year."
Prismall, who played just 25 games in four season with the Cats was on the verge of becoming a regular member of the Geelong side before sustaining a serious knee injury in this year’s qualifying final against St Kilda.
Knights said the fact that the 22-year-old will miss the start of next season did not deter the club from giving up their third round pick in November's national draft - pick 39 overall - in exchange for Prismall.
"We will work with Brent closely and be patient with him," Knights said.
"It's about his well-being and if he is ready for round four great, if he is ready in Round 6 great and if he is not ready until Round 12 then so be it."
"It will be all about what is best for Brent Prismall."
Knights was also delighted to have kept speedster Andrew Lovett, who had been linked with a move to Geelong after twice being dropped for disciplinary reasons by the Bombers in 2008.
"We were happy to work with clubs to try and do a deal with Andrew but now the deal hasn't been done it's a good opportunity for Andrew to come back and play really good footy and I'm sure he is going to be keen to do that,” he said.
Knights said the past few weeks will have been a reality check for Lovett.
"He has gone through this experience which is never healthy when you are not sure where your future is at but we have got to support him through that and as a coach I will sit down and work with Andrew."
"I'm not sure if it is the wake-up call that he needs but maybe the last few weeks have been an education for him going through this process."
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