Andrew Phillips to push case for Round 1 after Tom Bellchambers undergoes knee surgery
Andrew McGrath has backed Essendon recruit and ex-Carlton ruckman Andrew Phillips to fill the void left by Tom Bellchambers, who’s the Bombers’ latest injury victim, describing him as an “amazing” ruckman.
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Essendon midfielder Andrew McGrath is confident the Bombers have the depth to cover anyone who is not fit for Round 1 after the club’s pre-season injury curse claimed another victim.
Ruckman Tom Bellchambers was walking around gingerly with a patch on his left knee at Essendon’s team photo day on Tuesday after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week in what the club has described as a “minor clean-up”.
Bellchambers is expected to be back running as soon as next week, but the setback casts doubt over the 30-year-old’s ability to be ready for a Round 1 clash with Fremantle on March 21.
Former Carlton ruckman Andrew Phillips, who the Bombers signed on a one-year deal during last year’s trade period, shapes as a potential replacement for the season-opener.
“I think Bellcho will recover quite quickly,” McGrath said.
“It was just a little clean-out and he’s up and walking and in great spirits so I don’t think he’ll be out for too long. But Andrew Phillips is an amazing ruckman. I hadn’t seen too much of him before he moved over to Essendon, but the way he moves, the way he follows up, I think if Tommy is out for a couple of weeks Andrew will fill the void really well.”
Bellchambers joins fellow senior stars Dyson Heppell (foot), Joe Daniher (groin) and Cale Hooker (knee) as players fighting to find fitness.
Michael Hurley (shoulder), Orazio Fantasia (hip/knee), David Zaharakis (ankle) and Dylan Shiel (knee) have also suffered from interrupted pre-seasons.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a concern,” McGrath said.
“Every team has their injury problems. We’ve had a few well-documented ones but I think every team’s going through a similar thing. I think all our boys are coming sort of good at the right time which is nice. A lot more of them are out on the track and they’re all progressing really well.
“Yes, a few of our bigger names have had interrupted pre-seasons. But I think there are a lot of other guys that can step up and fill the void.”
McGrath denied Essendon was becoming “impatient” for success after failing to meet external expectations the past two years but is confident improvement will come this season as the Bombers look to break the longest premiership drought in the club’s history.
“We’re aware of where we’re at as a footy club and we’re not playing as consistent or as well as we want to and it’s something that we’re constantly addressing,” McGrath said.
“Every team wants to play finals and aims to win finals eventually and we know we’re not there yet and we’re still building towards that and hopefully that will come in the near future. But I wouldn’t say we’re impatient, no.”
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Bellchambers is expected to be on a modified program for two to three weeks, with Phillips, 28, set to lead the Bombers’ ruck division in a scratch match against Melbourne next Friday, followed by Marsh Community Series clashes against West Coast, on Thursday February 27, and Geelong on Monday, March 9.
After only 41 games in eight years at GWS and Carlton, good form could see Phillips come from the clouds to secure a berth in the Bombers’ season-opener against Fremantle.
Back-up big man Sam Draper is in the final stages of his recovery from a full knee reconstruction last year.