TAC Cup 2018: Northern Knights captain Braedyn Gillard pushing to return from long-term injury for finals

NORTHERN Knights captain Braedyn Gillard has spent much of the TAC Cup season as a frustrated spectator but is pushing to return from injury in time for finals.

Northern Knights captain Braedyn Gillard. Picture: Getty Images.

NORTHERN Knights captain Braedyn Gillard has spent much of the TAC Cup season as a frustrated spectator.

The gutsy on-baller suffered a painful elbow injury while playing school football for Parade College in May, breaking his radius bone and tearing ligaments in his elbow.

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The Montmorency junior has been sidelined since May 19, but remains hopeful of leading his team out during finals.

“It’s pretty hard being in rehab and trying to captain at the same time,” Gillard said.

“You are trying to focus on your own rehab but trying to keep the team’s best interests there as well.”

Gillard said he had gained experience in the Knights’ coaches box while injured that he was confident would benefit him when he returned.

“I have learned quite a bit with what it is like with the coaching staff and a bit more about the game plan,” he said.

Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen lauded Gillard’s development this year, despite only featuring in seven TAC Cup matches.

Northern Knights captain Braedyn Gillard is pushing to return for TAC Cup finals. Picture: Getty Images.

“He had already earned the respect of the playing group and coaches on the field as a bottom-ager last year,” Gieschen said.

“This year he has really matured and taken his leadership to a new level off it.

“He is as well liked and respected as any kid I’ve had in my time at the Knights.”

While many of his contemporaries will have dreams of being drafted at season’s end, Gillard has preferred to focus on his rehabilitation. The 17-year-old said not playing while holding a leadership role had given him a “different perspective on footy”.

“I have always based footy on the on-field stuff,” he said.

“But being captain has given me an insight into what it’s like to be professional off the field.”

Braedyn Gillard marks in front of now Western Bulldog Ed Richards in the TAC Cup last year. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

With the introduction of a wildcard round to offer a passage to finals for teams outside the top four, Gillard said he hoped to return in coming weeks and inspire his side to a premiership tilt.

“I’ll try as hard as I can to help the Knights go deep into finals and have a good finish to the season,” he said.

The Knights skipper said AFL clubs should have his teammates Tom McKenzie and Tom Hallebone on their radars and praised the development of fellow Montmorency junior Ryan Gardner.

“Through his junior career he had heaps of injuries,” Gillard said of Gardner.

“What he has been able to do this year has really caught me by surprise. He’ll be one to look at for next year.”