DEFENDER Josh Wagner says he’s making progress from a dislocated fibula, which happened in Melbourne’s opening JLT Community Series six-point win over the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on February 18.
Speaking at Melbourne’s Australia Post Community Camp in the City of Casey on Tuesday, Wagner said there was “no other damage” from the injury.
“It’s pretty good. All last week, I kept off it and I was on crutches for a bit,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I then had my first run on Monday and now I’m just slowly building it up, making sure I don’t flare it up.
“The physios said they hadn’t seen that type of injury much – they said it was rare.”
Wagner was confident he would be available for round one, when Melbourne opens its 2017 premiership season against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, March 25.
“I’m aiming for round one now – I don’t want to push it too soon,” he said.
“I just want to get it right for the start of the season.
“I’m slowly building my running up and if that all goes well, then I’ll strengthen my hammy and get my muscles going around it.”
Aside from his setback, Wagner said his pre-season had gone to plan.
“It was all going well and I was feeling good,” he said.
“I’d put on a few kilos, which they wanted me to do.
“I’ve put on about three kilos, so that’s been good.”