News

Winderlich's speedy recovery

Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Laurene Coller for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

One year has passed since Jason Winderlich had his first round of surgery to repair a split disk in his back which was sustained early in 2008.

The improvement in his injury has been so dramatic that the the 24-year-old midfielder has been able to play great football this year and has not missed a beat.

“I definitely surprised myself and the medical staff," he said to media today.

"I had the first operation on my back on June 30 last year, and the second one on October 13. The first time I ran was December 22."

Winderlich said he had been anticipating a six week stint in the VFL before re-entering the AFL however, after just two months of pre-season training, he was ready to play.

"To start playing footy in our first practice match at Whitten oval at the end of February was a lot quicker than we all thought,” he said.

“It’s been a more enjoyable season because I didn’t expect to play much footy this year. I go in with a clear mind week in and week out and in the first half of the year because we had a few injuries I was the fourth or fifth oldest player and I’m only 24.

“It was pretty exciting looking around the rooms and seeing some of the younger guys there."

To watch the Winderlich and Camporeale interview on Bomber.tv click here

Assistant coach, Scott Camporeale, can see a similarity between Winderlich’s injury and Scott Gumbleton's back problem. Scans revealed that the 20-year-old had a bulging disk in his back and he had surgery in early April this year.

“Scott’s tracking along well now. He’s joined into a few training drills last Tuesday and over the next couple of weeks will progress to doing some slight movement – ground balls and working on his agility," Camporeale said.

“Our focus for Scotty is not to pressure him into coming back to play this year, it’s all looking toward next year for him – but if he plays a couple of games at the end of the season it will be a bonus."

Winderlich - a life-long Bombers fan - said the team is enjoying playing in the big rivalry clashes and is deperate to beat Collingwood for the second time this year.

PLAYER PROFILE: Jason Winderlich
PLAYER PROFILE: Scott Gumbleton

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Great to see you back in top form with out losing any of your damaging pace GO BOMBERS

- Simon Mayo (posted 2/07/2009 1:00:31 PM)

You have been outstanding this season Jason, your work ethic is wonderful. I am so happy to see you playing at your brilliant best!

- Kylie Brown (posted 2/07/2009 1:36:48 PM)

Winderlich, you're playing like a champion, keep it up and really push out the rest of the year as all the Bomber fans now know what the boys as a group have the capability to achieve this year. It's great to see the fans showing up and let's make sure we all get around them on Friday night and really make it imopssible for the Pies to get a look in as we run all over them, CARN DONS!!!

- Liam Doidge (posted 2/07/2009 1:49:32 PM)

You've done some tremendous work Winderlich. Keep it up!

- Justin Millard (posted 2/07/2009 2:09:05 PM)

Jason is a great player. For him to return so soon with the injury he had is just fantastic. His attitude should be bottled and handed out at the beginning of a season. Most of us would be moaning and groaning: "Why me?" and looking on the dark side. Good luck, Winders, I love your attitude - and, more significantly, I love your football.

- Joan Hill (posted 2/07/2009 4:52:21 PM)

Hey Winder, well done mate. I for one thought you were gone for all love and money a few seasons ago. How I have loved watching you prove me wrong. Your quick, and deliver the ball well into the fwd 50 as good as any of the other top midfielders in the league. I am so glad you are having a great season Winder's.

- Terri Xuereb (posted 3/07/2009 12:53:21 AM)

Winderlich ... What a great return to football! You have been most impressive. Those Black / White birds will be gasping for breath as they chase you and the other speedsters on Friday night....... GO BOMBERS!!!

- Victor Tallis (posted 3/07/2009 1:57:40 PM)

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