Brisbane Lions Injury update – Leuenberger

Brisbane Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger will turn his focus towards preparing for the 2013 AFL Season after a return to action this year was ruled out by the Club.

Leuenberger, 23, has been on the sidelines since Round Three with a partial tear to his Achilles.

General Manager, Football Operations, Dean Warren, said there was little benefit to gain from pushing Leuenberger to return to playing at either senior or NEAFL level in 2012.

“Matthew has been slow in his rehabilitation throughout the year, so we will not be taking any risks in trying to bring him back before he’s ready,” Warren said.

“While it’s obviously disappointing for Matthew, his welfare and long-term fitness is first and foremost. This is the best course of action to ensure that he is fully fit and ready to go in 2013.”

Leuenberger said that while 2012 had been a frustrating year, he was looking forward to preparing himself for next season.

“If I can just knuckle down and focus on getting my Achilles right, then I can come into pre-season, hit the ground running and do everything I need to do to get right and get back and play footy,” he said.

Leuenberger is joined on the Lions’ injury list by Ash McGrath (leg), Mitch Golby (foot), Jared Polec (adductor), Brent Staker (knee), Amon Buchanan (knee), Brad Harvey (ankle) and Bryce Retzlaff (knee).

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