CIARÁN SHEEHAN SAYS he was ‘excited’ to make a first appearance for Carlton Blues for the first time since 2014 following an extensive injury lay-off.
The Cork man was initially sidelined with hip issues which required surgery, and his comeback was further complicated by hamstring and knee injuries.
During the 2017 pre-season, Sheehan lined out for the Northern Blues, the Victorian Football League (VFL) team that are an affiliate of his AFL club Carlton.
Some impressive performances later resulted in him making a return to the Carlton team this weekend, in which he featured in a 12-point defeat to Adelaide.
While Sheehan was disappointed with the result, he was also relieved to get back on the pitch from the interchange bench.
Speaking to the official club website, Sheehan said:
“I was excited to get out there, it’s been a long time coming. I worked pretty hard with all the coaching staff and, the physio staff and the high performance staff.
“I got my body to where it needed to be and I’m just very grateful to get the opportunity to go out and play with the lads.
“(It was a) disappointing result but we’ll have a look, analyse and see where it goes.”
Remarking on his injury struggles, Sheehan said they were “quite frustrating” and that the delay in making a full recovery was caused by a “knock-on effect” of the various problems.
He added that he endured some difficult moments along the way, but was determined to make a full return to the AFL.
I had some difficult times. I always say I’m very lucky to have a good support network around me. My girlfriend Amy at home, all the lads inside the club, coaching staff and it’s like a second home to me out here in the footy club.
“I’ve been very fortunate with the people I’ve met, they’ve got me through some very difficult times.
“I always wanted to be back playing AFL, that was always the goal so I had my mind on that. Lucky enough I got the opportunity today.
“The club is in a really good place and I always wanted to be a part of where the club is going and hopefully I can stick around and see where it does go.
“I know this club is capable of getting to the highest level.”
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