AFL 2024: Brisbane recruit Tom Doedee hopeful of return by June

A former Crow says he is recovering strongly at Brisbane and wants to follow the footsteps of friends who have made the same move north.

Tom Doedee says his knee is feeling ‘strong and sound’ as he eyes a return with new club Brisbane by June next year. Picture: Sarah Reed / Getty Images

Brisbane recruit Tom Doedee says friendships formed with almost a dozen Lions over his career helped him make the call to move on from Adelaide after eight seasons.

The intercept defender is on track for a return from a second ACL injury in early June after resuming running two months ago and says his knee feels “strong and sound”.

Speaking publicly for the first time since joining the Lions as a restricted free agent, Doedee said existing relationships with new teammates including Josh Dunkley, Lincoln McCarthy and Jarrod Berry cemented his decision to move in October.

He said McCarthy’s ability to come back from a troubled injury history after moving from Geelong to the Lions, along with other rehabilitated Lions, had given him the confidence to do the same after managing only 82 games in eight years.

Our newest recruit is bringing a gift! 🎁 pic.twitter.com/szmEMbel8u

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) November 27, 2023

“It definitely played a massive part, personally having talked to a few of the boys … I knew Linc McCarthy well before I moved over here and Dunks (Josh Dunkley) … they spoke really highly about (the medical team), looking from afar I knew a lot of guys who’ve come here have not just rehabbed well but played their best footy after it,” he said.

“I knew probably 10 of the boys really well to the point I could just message them before and after games and ask how they went.

“I played Vic Country with Bez (Jarrod Berry) and Dunks … the fact I already had those connections was huge.”

Doedee said the prospect of playing finals was “definitely alluring” and a major part of his decision after failing to see September action at Adelaide.

“I’m really glad and content with my decision … I’d love to help this group get to the ultimate success of winning a premiership, but so far I can’t fault anything,” he said.

“I look forward to that challenge because watching last year they were very settled among the 22 and have played a lot of good footy over four or five years.

A dejected Doedee helped instruct Adelaide teammates on the bench after rupturing his ACL during a round 12 clash against Gold Coast in Darwin last season. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“It’s going to be tough to crack into the team, but if I do get in … if I keep my spot there, it’s guaranteed wins and finals if everything goes well.”

Doedee was thrilled with the speed of his recovery to this point but acutely aware of the setbacks that could lurk closer to the return from an ACL injury.

“To be able to get out there with the boys is a great feeling, especially to go from doing a bit of rehab stuff to then be able to join in the running, which I haven’t done for a while, was a good feeling,” Doedee said.

“It’s at the point where it’s feeling pretty strong and comfortable – we did a little bit of change of direction for the first time today, a little bit more tempo work and longer distance stuff.

“I learnt from the last (ACL) that it’s never just a linear process. It’s never just straight all the way, you’re happy days back playing and nothing goes wrong … I know the end goal is 12 months, and anything before that will be a gift.”