TonyK
CibbuanoRocca a chance to return: Malthouse
August 22nd 2008 05:25
COLLINGWOOD forward Anthony Rocca is a chance to play again this season if the Magpies make the finals, according to coach Mick Malthouse.
Rocca hasn't played since round 13 due to an ankle injury but Malthouse said the 31-year-old's lack of match practice will not prevent him from returning this season.
With the Magpies' VFL side's season finishing next weekend, Rocca will not have the benefit of a match in the seconds unless he is cleared next week.
But Malthouse said a lack of match practice for Rocca was not a major issue.
"I would say five years ago when he (Rocca) came back from injuries he fumbled it like most players would for missing that number of weeks," Malthouse said.
"But in recent date the last couple of seasons, I'll say three seasons, he's come straight in and had really good touch."
"I think that's got a lot to do with the fact that we can get people on the sprung floor, on the nets and just pulverise them with the football and their touch is pretty good. Out there you haven't got an opponent though and that's the difference."
Meanwhile, Malthouse said key defender Simon Prestigiacomo and Rhyce Shaw, who has served his club-imposed two-match ban, were not far away from returning to the senior side.
The pair have been named as emergencies for Saturday night's must-win clash against Sydney.
The Pies have won their past five matches against the Swans but Malthouse said their good record would count for little when the two sides meet at Telstra Dome.
"We know how we played them last, but that's yesterday," he said.
Rocca hasn't played since round 13 due to an ankle injury but Malthouse said the 31-year-old's lack of match practice will not prevent him from returning this season.
With the Magpies' VFL side's season finishing next weekend, Rocca will not have the benefit of a match in the seconds unless he is cleared next week.
But Malthouse said a lack of match practice for Rocca was not a major issue.
"I would say five years ago when he (Rocca) came back from injuries he fumbled it like most players would for missing that number of weeks," Malthouse said.
"But in recent date the last couple of seasons, I'll say three seasons, he's come straight in and had really good touch."
"I think that's got a lot to do with the fact that we can get people on the sprung floor, on the nets and just pulverise them with the football and their touch is pretty good. Out there you haven't got an opponent though and that's the difference."
Meanwhile, Malthouse said key defender Simon Prestigiacomo and Rhyce Shaw, who has served his club-imposed two-match ban, were not far away from returning to the senior side.
The pair have been named as emergencies for Saturday night's must-win clash against Sydney.
The Pies have won their past five matches against the Swans but Malthouse said their good record would count for little when the two sides meet at Telstra Dome.
"We know how we played them last, but that's yesterday," he said.
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