Brianna Davey targeting Round 1 return after knee reconstruction

CARLTON captain Brianna Davey is eyeing an AFLW Round 1 return after enduring a “tough” rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction.

CARLTON captain Brianna Davey is eyeing a Round 1 return after enduring a “tough” rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction.

Davey, 23, was felled in the second game of AFLW02 and is now eight months into her recovery that she admitted was slow to get going.

But she is anticipating a return to full training shortly and is hopeful that an “emotional” return to football could be on the cards in February’s opening round.

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“Everything is to plan,” Davey said.

“It was a bit of a slower start, but I’ve caught up now.

“Hopefully Round 1, that’s the aim. I feel pretty confident about it at the moment, but with knees, it really depends on what happens over the next four months as well.

Brianna Davey encourages Tayla Harris. Picture: Michael Klein

Brianna Davey on the ground after injuring her knee.

“It’s been a pretty tough rehab. But I feel good now, so that’s the main thing.”

The skipper, who injured her knee against Greater Western Sydney as her family watched on from home - usually in attendance at games but kept in Victoria for her sister’s 21st birthday - said her close-knit crew was so determined that they would not miss her return, they had already made all of the necessary plans.

“It’ll be emotional,” she said, thankful for the overwhelming support she had received throughout her rehabilitation.

“If I’m ready to go for Round 1, the family and everyone will get over to Tassie.

“They’ve already booked everything just in case. If I don’t, I don’t, but they’re ready to be there for my first game back.”

Originally published as Brianna Davey targeting Round 1 return after knee reconstruction