Star Ansett playmaker Freddy Webb looks at the positives after serious long-term hip injury

ANSETT young gun Freddy Webb will be sidelined for the next four to six months over an ongoing hip injury, but it is not all doom and gloom.He will see the same surgeon that operated on British tennis star Andy Murray.

Star Ansett playmaker Freddy Webb is looking on the bright side after succumbing to a long-term hip injury which requires surgery. Picture: JOSH SPASARO

ANSETT young gun Freddy Webb will be sidelined for the next four to six months over an ongoing hip injury, but it is not all doom and gloom.

He will see the same surgeon that operated on British tennis star Andy Murray.

The 20-year-old suffers from a labral tear in both hips which means the cartilage has torn, leading to possible hip arthritis later in life.

Webb said he had suffered hip pains while at Central Maine Community College in the US and took a break from basketball as a result.

“It’s from overuse, repetitive stress of jumping and landing,” Webb told the NT News.

“I was getting hip pain in the states but they didn’t think too much of it at the time. I took some time off from basketball but got more pain when I returned to playing here.”

Webb has been in talks with hip specialist Dr John O’Donnell, who previously operated on British tennis star Murray and operates out of St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Melbourne.

While this puts his current playing career on hold he is positive that long term the surgery will be for the best for his game.

“There are pros and cons, it’s a blow because I’ve been playing well and fill an important part of the team,” Webb said.

“However, it will give opportunities to younger guys that don’t have the opportunity to play league games because I am there. There’s also still good leaders at the club that will step up.

“My personal training business won’t suffer much. A lot of people will be away over Christmas when I’m off. Everyone is very understanding.”

Ansett will miss Webb going forward, the talented playmaker scoring over 20 points in the opening three rounds of the 2019-20 Men’s League Challenge Season, including a 30-point game against Uni Rebels.

However, even outside of playing Webb will dedicate his time to the club as an assistant coach.

“They (Ansett) have supported me without a doubt,” Webb said.

“I’ve been with Ansett since I was seven in 2006, the coaches have known me for at least 10 years. They well and truly have my interests in mind and not just as a player.

“I will be at every game, even when I am not playing I will be there.”