Lachie Plowman made a successful return from injury via the Northern Blues in today’s VFL practice match loss against Port Melbourne.
Plowman, who came across to the Blues at the end of last season from GWS, had his pre-season curtailed after undergoing hip surgery.
The 21-year-old got through his return match without fail, collecting 11 disposals in an assured performance in scheduled limited game time.
Plowman said it was a welcome relief to get back out on the park and play some footy.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m just happy to get back, it’s been a long pre-season for me so to be out there as one of the boys and playing again was really good,” Plowman said.
“I felt like I was a bit scratchy in the first quarter but I worked my way into it and I felt comfortable in the end.”
Plowman took six marks among his 11 disposals, using the ball well by foot and putting together an assured performance down back.
Lachie Plowman in action for the Northern Blues in his return match. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
After being restricted to a half of game time in his return match, Plowman said he would continue to increase his workload as he returned to match fitness after a long time out.
“It was just a bit of load management. I’ll progressively get better and better and hopefully in a couple of weeks time I can manage a full game,” Plowman said.
“It’s all gone pretty well so far. We were pretty cautious to begin with but I’m 100 per cent now so I’m good to go.
“I think it’s a week-by-week proposition for me. I’ll keep stepping the game load up each week, focusing on recovery and going again.”
Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser said the return of Plowman was a big positive for Carlton supporters to take from the day.
Fraser said the eye-catching work Plowman had endured off the track to return to fitness would hold him in good stead for the upcoming season.
“It was fantastic to see ‘Plow’ get through a half. I know he’s worked really hard in performance prep to give himself every chance to perform like he did in the first half today,” Fraser said.
“All the Carlton supporters should be really excited by that and I thought he did some really encouraging things.
“He’s a great size, a great athlete and today was just a glimpse of what he’ll be able to offer the Carlton Football Club.”
