Early Ling return earns top doc nod

Andrew Mathieson
LEADING sports doctor Dr Peter Larkins yesterday backed the attempt of Geelong’s Cameron Ling to return to AFL football next week from a depressed cheekbone fracture.
Cats coach Mark Thompson revealed this week that the vice-captain hoped to miss just one game after Fremantle’s Dean Solomon struck him with an elbow to the face at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.
The Docker defender was suspended for eight matches, the longest suspension in 11 years at the AFL tribunal.
Geelong club doctor Chris Bradshaw told the tribunal Ling could be sidelined for three to six weeks with four fractures.
The former St Joseph’s schoolboy underwent surgery on Sunday.
But Dr Larkins told the Independent Ling could play next Friday as long as his swelling subsided and he had full vision in his right eye.
“It’s very realistic to be able to be considered for the Hawthorn game,” Dr Larkins said.
“The bone will be healed by then but, the fact he has a plate and screws holding it together, it really can’t move anywhere.”
Dr Larkins said Ling could also consider custom-made silicon goggles, which many professional basketballers wear for protection rather than helmets.
Ling’s confidence to put his head over the ball would play a big part in an early return, the doctor said.
“The only risk is getting hit in the same spot. That risk is still there in three weeks or four week’s time even.
“People are amazed he can come back that quick but football players take all sorts of risk every week.”
Thompson remained optimistic but described Ling as a “real strong person” who would leave no stone unturned to be available for AFL’s most anticipated match against Hawthorn.
“I bet he puts his hand up,” Thompson said.
“Whether the doctor says yes or no is another thing but that’s Cameron Ling – he’s always in a hurry.”
Many Geelong football followers have accused Fremantle of deliberately targeting Cats players in several incidents on Saturday.
A seething Cats captain Tom Harley described their rival’s tactics as “cheap” and “old school”. But Thompson refused to enter a war of words with the team coached by his former Essendon premiership teammate, Mark Harvey.