JACKSON PAINE
Brisbane Lions defender Marco Paparone is set to miss the remainder of the season after injuring his hamstring in the reserves side’s win over the Canberra Demons on Saturday.
The 22-year old was enjoying a stand-out game, gathering 37 disposals, six marks and five tackles, before feeling a strain in his right hamstring late in the game.
Paparone said he was disappointed his 2017 season had been forced to end on a sour note.
“I felt like I was starting to get some pretty solid form up at NEAFL level, so it was really disappointing to get the news that this injury will keep me out for the remainder of the season,” Paparone said.
Paparone has played 55 AFL games for the Brisbane Lions since joining the club in 2012 and is a vital member of the club’s plans for the future.
The Western Australian says he will now focus on recuperating his hamstring before the upcoming preseason which begins in November.
“The next three months for me will now be about ensuring my hamstring is right to go for the beginning of pre-season.”
Paparone had surgery on his right hamstring in July last year, but is confident that this incident is unrelated to his previous injury history.
“It is the same hamstring I had operated on last year, but the physios assure me that the two injuries are separate cases.
“I have not lost any confidence in my body and I’m already excited to attack my rehabilitation so that I can get my body in the best possible shape over the summer.”