KEY recruit Dom Tyson is optimistic his hamstring injury won’t hold him back for too long.
The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder hurt it just before Melbourne returned for pre-season training two weeks ago. Tyson was optimistic he could rejoin the main group for pre-season training “one or two weeks before Christmas”.
“At the moment, it looks like it’ll be around Christmas time or post-Christmas, when I’m fully in the main group,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I might do a few sessions and a few drills here and there, but I don’t think [I’ll be in] the full main session until after Christmas.”
“I’ve never had an issue with it before, but it’s the same side as my knee reco, so it’s always a little bit tender and fragile after knee surgery, so it’s a little bit weaker than the left [knee]. You’re always a little bit more prone to do a hammy after doing a knee.”
Tyson said he had increased his training loads since returning, but wouldn’t risk further injury.
“I’m into some solid running now and building up to some solid stuff, so I’m just working with the physios and the rehab staff,” he said.
“I’m not into the main session yet, but getting among some light skills and doing some Fartlek running (which combines continuous training with interval training) and some run throughs, so it’s still some solid work, but I’m eager to get to the main group as quick as I can.”
The 20-year-old said he was determined to start with his new club in tip-top shape, when he tweaked his hammy in the off-season.
“I was probably getting a bit anxious and ready to get started and I went a bit too strong, too early,” he said.
“I just felt it grab there in a [running] session, so it put me back a couple of weeks, but I’m strengthening it up now and hopefully I’ll get it better than it was before.
“I’m ticking along in training and still in rehab with my hamstring, but I’m feeling stronger and better every session, so hopefully not too long before [I return] to the main group.”
Tyson said he had relished his first two weeks as a Demon, after he came from the Giants in the trade period.
“It’s been a really good start to the club, so I’m just settling in now and getting to know all of the boys and the staff, because it’s all fresh to me, but I’m enjoying my time so far,” he said.
“I’ve done a few sessions with Jack [Viney] and Viv [Michie], because we’re in rehab together, with Tappy (Luke Tapscott).”
“Roosy’s been really good. He definitely brings a lot of confidence around the place and he’s just put full faith in what he’s bringing, so it’s exciting that everyone is starting fresh with Roosy and getting to know him and his game plan.”
Given he has transferred from the newest to the oldest AFL club, Tyson said he had already noticed the passion for the red and blue since his arrival.
“Being up in Sydney, you didn’t have that history or understanding of how much the club means to a lot of staff members – some who have been here for 10 or 20 years,” he said.
“The passion for the club is something that I’ve noticed among the staff.
“We’ve also got great facilities – the gym’s amazing, the ground’s in pretty good nick and we’ve got the ice baths – so it’s all great so far and I’m really enjoying it.”
