Alex Woodward to try coaching after fourth ACL operation

AFTER four knee reconstructions Alex Woodward could be forgiven for turning his back on footy. But the former Hawthorn player is determined to get back, albeit in a different role.

• ‘I’ve found it important to get away’
• Woodward still dreaming of the big time
• Woodward happy to be back
• ’I feel I’ve still got a lot to offer a footy club’

LUCKLESS former Hawthorn midfielder Alex Woodward is turning his hand to coaching after rupturing his ACL for a fourth time.

The 23-year-old, who had three surgeries on his right knee during his five-year-stint at the Hawks, underwent another reconstruction last week after he broke down while playing for Collingwood in the VFL on April 29.

Woodward has accepted an offer from the Magpies to work with their VFL midfield group for the rest of the year under experienced Brad Gotch.

“I’ll definitely give it a go. It’s an opportunity out of a scenario that isn’t ideal but I’ll still be involved with footy which is great,’’ he said.

Alex Woodward in action for Collingwood the week before he ruptured his ACL for a fourth time. Picture: Michael Klein

“I have a strong passion for and understanding of the game and albeit I might not be able to play I think I can contribute in another way.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of Collingwood and they’ve been really good in the aftermath and offering me a coaching role under Brad Gotch who has a wealth of knowledge, so I’ll be picking his brain, trying to learn as much as I can and having an input.

“I’m of the belief I’ve had my fair share of bad luck and I’ll get some good luck sometime soon, maybe this is a bit of a silver lining.

“I’ve been part of two really strong clubs now with strong values and culture and players and coaches who have a wealth of knowledge and I’ve definitely got something to work with there.”

Woodward, who played two senior games for Hawthorn in 2014, the year he won the Liston Trophy playing for affiliated-VFL side Box Hill, says he’s put football on hold.

“I’ve consciously decided my priority in terms of rehab isn’t necessarily to go through the process again with the mindset of playing any time soon,’’ he said.

“I’m really strong on the fact I’ve got to start thinking about life after footy. This is the fourth time at 23 and it doesn’t look good on paper but my knee, in the scheme of things, is still quite healthy.

Fall 4 times, get back up 4 times. Surgery went well today. Thanks for all the msgs of support over the past few days. Feeling the love. pic.twitter.com/3vZ0TqjZlz

— Alex Woodward (@AlexWoodwardd) May 11, 2017

“I’ll go through rehab again, it’s a strong 12-18 month process, I’ll take my time with it but I’m not planning on playing footy anytime soon, that’s for sure.

“Maybe one day it will be a bit hard not to think about running out on the ground again with the boys but I think for the meantime I’m at peace with taking my time with this one and looking at footy down a different avenue in terms of coaching.”

Woodward had his right foot planted on the Trevor Barker Oval surface when he changed direction during the opening term to follow the ball and his knee gave way. He initially thought it may not be a serious injury and attempted to do a fitness test at quarter-time. Scans two days later revealed the worst.

Alex Woodward with his 2014 JJ Liston Trophy.

He concedes it was simply bad luck. Again.

I’ve had a chat to my surgeon and I dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s with my last rehab after I did my ACL the third time,’’ he said.

“When it comes to playing I don’t hesitate and I play with confidence.

“The only thing that is frustrating is that I’ve just got some bad luck at the moment with knee injuries because I really shouldn’t have to go through this four times, but that’s just footy sometimes.

“I’ve just got to move on and embrace it, but it is a bitter pill to swallow.”

Best friend Koda, a two-year-old Australian Shepherd Koda, has provided animal therapy and comfort for Woodward.

Alex Woodward with Koda. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

She was a new puppy when he suffered his last injury in 2015.

“Animals often have this sense when their owner is injured, sick or not feeling right and Koda’s been really good with affection and company in general which has been great,’’ he said.

“I’m very lucky to have a dog like her, she’s definitely helped me so far. This isn’t ideal but she keeps my mind off things, which is great, and puts a smile on my face in a down time.

“She rests her head on my knee and seems to know that’s my sore spot, I definitely think she knows.”

Clay Smith knows what it is like to “do a knee”. Picture: George Salpigtidis

IT’S A UNIQUE CLUB NOBODY WANTS MEMBERSHIP TO

WOODWARD is part of the ‘Multiple ACL Club’ alongside premiership Bulldog Clay Smith, premiership Swan Alex Johnson, Geelong’s Daniel Menzel and former Docker Anthony Morabito.

“We’re in a bit of a club that nobody really wants to be a part of but I think those boys are really the only people who understand this scenario,’’ Woodward said.

“I’ve actually received messages from all the guys — Clay Smith, Dan Menzel, Alex Johnson and Anthony Morabito, they were all on the front foot once they heard about it.

Daniel Menzel suffers a knee injury during the 2011 Qualifying Final.

“I’m definitely feeling the love, they’ve been a wonderful support and they’ve all been great to me along the way.”

Woodward has also been overwhelmed by the support of the extended footy family and well wishes on social media.

“It’s been absolutely massive,’’ he said.

“Finding out the news for the fourth time was devastating but I expressed it on social media and the outpour from, not just my friends and family, but strangers and people in the footy world has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough.

“I didn’t realise to the extent how many people were following my journey.”