Collingwood defender Lynden Dunn vows to push his surgically repaired knee to the limit
After a pair of knee reconstructions, Collingwood handed luckless key defender Lynden Dunn the last spot on its list heading into the 2020 season. He says that’s a gamble he aims to repay in full — as part of the Pies’ best 22.
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Collingwood veteran defender Lynden Dunn says there is still a spot for him in the club’s best side when the season resumes.
The popular backman says he is confident he can make a meaningful contribution in the club’s 2020 premiership assault after making a full recovery from two knee reconstructions.
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Dunn, who was handed the club’s last list spot earlier this year, was on track to make his return through the VFL last month when the league went into shutdown.
While he accepts this is likely his last season, Dunn has not given up on his premiership dream.
“We haven’t reached that pinnacle over the past few years, but it is certainly a carrot there for me to try and tick one last box,” Dun said.
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“That is the ultimate (a premiership).
“I haven’t just come back (from two knees) for the sake of coming back just because it is the only thing I can do.
“Our team is in a great position to push deep into finals and I think I’m in our best 22 and I have got some good footy in front of me.
“So it gives me a lot of confidence coming into this year when we eventually do start (playing again).”
Dunn said his legs were feeling strong again as he attempted to ramp up his training with fellow Collingwood defenders potentially from May 18, pending AFL approval next week.
But the man who turns 33 on Thursday faces a significant challenge cementing a position in one of the best back lines in the league, led by Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe and Jordan Roughead.
The 196-gamer said he was prepared to push his body “to the limits” to make an impact in his 15th season.
“It (left knee) is feeling good. It hasn’t felt better for a long time. It is strong, it is sticky,” he said.
“Could it go again? Yes. Am I prepared for that? Yes. Am I worried about it? No.
“It is just one of those things that could happen and if it does, it is obviously going to be it for my career and it would be sad.
“But I’m willing to push the limits and find out what my body can do.”
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Dunn enjoyed an excellent start to his career at Collingwood from the start of 2017, playing in 31 of a possible 36 games before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament the first time in 2018.
He ruptured it for a second time in his comeback game against Richmond in the VFL in March last year.
The former Demon said the compacted nature of this season and the physical demands would throw up some unique challenges for clubs.
He said the whole squad would be called upon, creating opportunities right down the playing list.
“The hardest thing is blokes will be fatigued and blokes are going to need rest because you can’t save yourself during games or cut corners in contests or not go 100 per cent just because you want to save yourself for the next week,” he said.
“It is going to be a real squad mentality, more than ever. Relying on everyone on your list at some stage to step up and play a role.”