Fremantle’s Anthony Morabito will return to AFL action against Melbourne in Darwin this weekend after what has been a 1457-day wait between games for the 23-year-old.
Ravaged by three career-threatening knee injuries, Morabito last donned the Fremantle purple as a very promising rookie in 2010’s semi-final loss to Geelong at the MCG and will make his long-awaited return against the lowly Demons after receiving the news in Thursday’s team meeting.
“After training, Ross Lyon called everyone in,” Morabito said.“His last point was that I was in. I was a little bit shocked.
“All the boys were really happy, they embraced me. I was quite emotional at the time and I’ll cherish that moment.”
The Dockers have taken a cautious approach with Morabito in 2014, playing him 11 games in the WAFL to ensure his brittle knee, now strengthened by thousands of hours of rehab, would enable him to pass the rigors of senior football.
Having averaged 21.9 disposals and 3.4 marks per contest for Peel Thunder this season, the fourth pick in the 2009 draft says he is relieved to receive another opportunity to play at the highest level.
“When you’ve missed a lot of footy, especially at the top level, you’d give anything just to walk down that race one time,” Morabito said.
“I’m fortunate that I’m young enough and the club has obviously helped me out greatly with the approach we took to everything.”
Around the AFL, the Western Bulldogs will also welcome back important pair Ryan Griffen and Jordan Roughead for their Round 16 clash with Geelong while debutant Jack Redpath is also expected to get a run. Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell is also a strong chance to return for Friday night’s clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Photo: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images
