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Key Swans on track for finals

by Brendan Leicester

SWAN Districts officials say injured trio Brett Wolfenden, Brett Robinson and Ash Hansen are likely to return for the first week of the finals series - if all goes to plan.

Wolfenden, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday, is still nursing his broken jaw and will be sidelined for another four to six weeks, according to Swans football manager Matt Peach.

The in-and-under midfielder, who was king hit by East Perth’s Pat Travers back in Round 15 is now meeting with surgeons next week, after he had a plate and four screws inserted in his face.

The 52-game player declined Travers’ apology after the game, but soon extended the olive branch. 

However, he has declined to seek damages for his injury and time spent out of the game, with club officials insisting the incident is simply water under the bridge.

Fellow midfielder Brett Robinson is a slight chance to make an earlier than expected return, and could be a handy inclusion after averaging 26 touches and 32 goals in a stellar 2009 season.

“He could be back for Round 22 or 23, but the likelihood is him returning to action in time for the first week of the finals, where the like likelihood is we’ll be facing Claremont,” Peach said.

Robinson underwent the radical LARS procedure after rupturing his ACL back in Round 4 against East Perth, but has also had the added pressure of overcoming meniscus damage as well.

“His work ethic and willingness to be fit and ready before September or even for September makes his a compelling case, but the couple of setbacks he’s had with his knee has certainly hampered progress.”

Meantime, Ash Hansen is still being treated by West Coast doctors for hip tendonitis injury, but Swans management is confident he will be available come September.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for young rising star Nic Naitanui, as the former Swans star hasn’t played enough WAFL games this season to qualify for finals.