Hope of playing again in 2015 is driving Luke Parker in his recovery from a broken ankle.
What looked initially as a season-ending injury turned into an encouraging month-long stint on the sidelines after Parker went in for surgery over the weekend to repair a fractured fibula suffered in the Swans’ clash with Collingwood.
Parker’s leg twisted awkwardly in a Taylor Adam’s tackle, forcing the midfielder on a stretcher and out of the game.
The 2014 Bob Skilton Medallist made a surprise but welcomed appearance at training on Thursday sporting crutches and a moon boot, aids that Parker hopes will be gone as early as next week on the road to recovery.
Initially, the 22-year-old feared the worst at the time given a “blown ankle” requires a 6-12 month healing process but was buoyed when the positive news came through.
“I felt the pressure come down on it and in the last little bit (of the tackle) I felt a crack or a pop,” Parker said.
“I knew I had done something…I looked at my leg and knew it wasn’t as bad as I first thought as it wasn’t hanging out to the side which meant it wasn’t my main bone so I was happy about that.
“Basically it’s the best outcome that could have happened.”
Parker’s fibula was fractured in three places, requiring surgeons to insert a 15cm long plate into his leg to help fuse together the bone – the plate will stay there permanently.
Now all Parker can do is bide his time until the swelling subsides. Not an easy task for someone as competitive as the 101-gamer but what will make the wait easier is the fact there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
By next week Parker should be able to say goodbye to the moon boot and crutches, jump on the exercise bike and start the rehabilitation process in a race to be fit for what the Club hopes is a semi-final berth.
“That’s what’s keeping me positive,” Parker added. “From initially thinking my season was over to having something to strive for I’m pretty rapt about so I’ll be doing everything I can to get back out there and help the boys.”
Opting against putting the feet up at home, Parker says he’ll make the journey to Homebush to be in the stands on Saturday ready for scheduled 2.10pm first bounce at Spotless Stadium.
