By Zoe Keenan
After an AFL season spoiled by a freak injury, young West Australian Kamdyn McIntosh, is set to return next year fully recovered.
Kamdyn McIntosh was drafted in the 2012 season and debuted in 2015.
McIntosh, who’s originally from Pinjarra, had a stellar debut season in 2015 with 23 disposals and a goal in his debut game but an ankle injury this season set him back.
“I injured my ankle I think it was round eight during a training session… I got tackled by another player and I just landed awkwardly,” McIntosh said.
The midfielder and half back tore the ligament joining his tibia and fibula which ruled him out for the rest of the season because he needed surgery and 15 to 16 weeks’ rehab.
Kamdyn said it was hard for him missing out especially after such a good debut season.
“It’s definitely hard watching your best mates out there kicking the footy when that’s my hobby and that’s what I do for work so it was definitely tough at times sitting on the sideline,” McIntosh said.
“This year I kicked off the season well. I started to find some really good form and was a bit more consistent than I was last year it was just unfortunate I injured my ankle.
“I wanted this year to be my year but obviously [with] the injury it’s going to be next year for me now … I feel I’m working pretty hard for it.”
Kamdyn having a kick at his home town’s footy oval (Pinjarra)
Kamdyn’s physiotherapist Anthony Schacke, from the Tigers, said they wanted to get him back for the finals series but said he would have struggled.
“The initial thought was that he had enough time to get himself back playing late in the season and as much as Kamdyn would tell you otherwise he probably would’ve struggled to be ready to play,” Mr Schacke said.
Mr Schacke said Kamdyn is looking pretty good for next season.
“I would think that before he goes onto Christmas break he’ll be well and truly back into everything and coping alright,” he said.