Training 2025 Off-Season & Preseason reports and discussion

[DogDaySonny]

Shocking luck for Calsher who had come back in excellent condition after going over to Africa with his family in the off season.

While it's awful luck for Calsh, it provides opportunities for others. In January we lost Blanck, DGB and McCabe in quick succession and some thought we were gone. The brains trust sat down and made the necessary tweaks to get us to within a kick of a preliminary final.

Hardwick has been training as a forward all pre season, Gunston has come back in terrific shape and we have the luxury of possibly moving a Weddle forward. Don't forget it also gives Ramsden and Scaife a great opportunity to put their case forward.

A fascinating first month back after the Christmas break to see the thinking of the coaches.

From a fan’s point of view, the team is in a fantastic position. Performance is on the rise with a lot of eager players who need both luck and complete dedication to get a game. The Hawks will be playing at full tilt straight out of the gates this year because anyone who isn’t, isn’t playing a second game, I suspect.

 

[tl92]

Stress fracture in his back

Stress reaction*

 

[Dewnior]

Stress fracture in his back

Google says minimum 12 weeks.

Stress reaction*

Google says 6-10 weeks.

 

[tl92]

Google says 6-10 weeks.

I’ll take that upside!

 

[Roddy]

Has Ramma been training as a forward at all so far this pre-season?

 

[TheFourPillars]

Has Ramma been training as a forward at all so far this pre-season?

Yes he has.

 

[The Chad and I]

## Difference Between Stress Fracture and Stress Reaction in the Lower Back

Stress Reaction
A stress reaction is an early stage of bone injury characterized by micro-failures in the bone due to repetitive loading without adequate recovery. This condition manifests as inflammation on the bone's surface, often described as a deep bone bruise. Symptoms typically include dull lower back pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Movements that involve spinal rotation or hyperextension can exacerbate the pain[1][7].

Stress Fracture
A stress fracture occurs when a stress reaction progresses, leading to a crack in the bone. This condition is more severe and can result from continued stress on the bone before the stress reaction has healed. Symptoms are similar to those of a stress reaction but may include sharper pain during activities and potentially radiating pain into the buttocks[1][4]. Diagnosis often requires imaging techniques like MRI, especially if initial X-rays do not show clear signs of injury[4][9].

### Summary of Differences
| Feature | Stress Reaction | Stress Fracture |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Definition | Micro-failures in bone | Crack in the bone |
| Symptoms | Dull pain, worsens with activity | Sharp pain, worsens with activity |
| Recovery Time | 6-8 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Imaging Required | Often not visible on X-rays | May require MRI for confirmation |

## Recovery Times for a 20-Year-Old Male Athlete

For a 20-year-old male athlete, recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury:

- Stress Reaction: Generally heals within 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, athletes are advised to avoid activities that exacerbate pain but can engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness[2][5][9].

- Stress Fracture: Typically requires 12 to 13 weeks for complete recovery before returning to unrestricted athletic participation. This duration allows sufficient time for bone healing and may involve gradual reintroduction to sport under medical supervision[3][4][10].

In both cases, early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effective recovery and return to sports.

Citations:
[1] https://www.newcastlephysioclinic.com/lower-back-stress-reaction-stress-fracture-treatment/
[2] https://nyulangone.org/conditions/stress-fractures/support
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6044125/
[4] https://fittoplay.org/body-parts/back/low-back-stress-fracture/
[5] https://www.physio-pedia.com/Bone_Stress_Injuries
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK507835/
[7] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15841-stress-fractures
[8] https://www.tigerortho.com/pdfs/uw-health/spondy-rehab-guide.pdf
[9] https://fixio.com.au/lower-back-pain-and-sciatica/lumbar-stress-fracture/
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4384749/
[11] https://www.drmarkprasarn.com/lumbar-stress-fractures-orthopaedic-spine-surgeon-houston-tx/

 

[Roddy]

Yes he has.

There are serious openings in the key forward position at the moment, I wonder who's going to seriously put their hand up?

Ramma's entering his fourth year in the system, maybe it's his time?

 

[Slainte]

## Difference Between Stress Fracture and Stress Reaction in the Lower Back

Stress Reaction
A stress reaction is an early stage of bone injury characterized by micro-failures in the bone due to repetitive loading without adequate recovery. This condition manifests as inflammation on the bone's surface, often described as a deep bone bruise. Symptoms typically include dull lower back pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Movements that involve spinal rotation or hyperextension can exacerbate the pain[1][7].

Stress Fracture
A stress fracture occurs when a stress reaction progresses, leading to a crack in the bone. This condition is more severe and can result from continued stress on the bone before the stress reaction has healed. Symptoms are similar to those of a stress reaction but may include sharper pain during activities and potentially radiating pain into the buttocks[1][4]. Diagnosis often requires imaging techniques like MRI, especially if initial X-rays do not show clear signs of injury[4][9].

### Summary of Differences
| Feature | Stress Reaction | Stress Fracture |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Definition | Micro-failures in bone | Crack in the bone |
| Symptoms | Dull pain, worsens with activity | Sharp pain, worsens with activity |
| Recovery Time | 6-8 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Imaging Required | Often not visible on X-rays | May require MRI for confirmation |

## Recovery Times for a 20-Year-Old Male Athlete

For a 20-year-old male athlete, recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury:

- Stress Reaction: Generally heals within 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, athletes are advised to avoid activities that exacerbate pain but can engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness[2][5][9].

- Stress Fracture: Typically requires 12 to 13 weeks for complete recovery before returning to unrestricted athletic participation. This duration allows sufficient time for bone healing and may involve gradual reintroduction to sport under medical supervision[3][4][10].

In both cases, early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effective recovery and return to sports.

Citations:
[1] https://www.newcastlephysioclinic.com/lower-back-stress-reaction-stress-fracture-treatment/
[2] https://nyulangone.org/conditions/stress-fractures/support
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6044125/
[4] https://fittoplay.org/body-parts/back/low-back-stress-fracture/
[5] https://www.physio-pedia.com/Bone_Stress_Injuries
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK507835/
[7] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15841-stress-fractures
[8] https://www.tigerortho.com/pdfs/uw-health/spondy-rehab-guide.pdf
[9] https://fixio.com.au/lower-back-pain-and-sciatica/lumbar-stress-fracture/
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4384749/
[11] https://www.drmarkprasarn.com/lumbar-stress-fractures-orthopaedic-spine-surgeon-houston-tx/

Thanks - great post - very clear.

 

[TylerDurden]

There are serious openings in the key forward position at the moment, I wonder who's going to seriously put their hand up?

Ramma's entering his fourth year in the system, maybe it's his time?

I've got Chol, Sic and Gunner lining up Opening round v Syd, as our 3 main fwds.
With support of Ginni, Breust, Wiz, Moore, CMac31.

That's without factoring in Hardwick and Weddle as other options.

 

[The Chad and I]

I've got Chol, Sic and Gunner lining up Opening round v Syd, as our 3 main fwds.
With support of Ginni, Breust, Wiz, Moore, CMac31.

That's without factoring in Hardwick and Weddle as other options.

That's as good as any forward line in the league.
People are sleeping on Sicily as a forward.
He is an incredible footballer who settled into defence first, not merely a defender.
We saw evidence of this every time he went forward last season, to say nothing of his highlights as a skinny youngster.

 

[birch]

That's as good as any forward line in the league.
People are sleeping on Sicily as a forward.
He is an incredible footballer who settled into defence first, not merely a defender.
We saw evidence of this every time he went forward last season, to say nothing of his highlights as a skinny youngster.

And with 1 arm

 

[JZedd]

And with 1 arm

Makes it even more impressive. I'm a little bit down about Bambi.
But if I were the opposition coach I would rather be facing Dear than Sicily in our fwd line.
We desperately need a good start next season.

 

[bigmaxi]

Shocking luck for Calsher who had come back in excellent condition after going over to Africa with his family in the off season.

While it's awful luck for Calsh, it provides opportunities for others. In January we lost Blanck, DGB and McCabe in quick succession and some thought we were gone. The brains trust sat down and made the necessary tweaks to get us to within a kick of a preliminary final.

Hardwick has been training as a forward all pre season, Gunston has come back in terrific shape and we have the luxury of possibly moving a Weddle forward. Don't forget it also gives Ramsden and Scaife a great opportunity to put their case forward.

A fascinating first month back after the Christmas break to see the thinking of the coaches.

While I truly feel for Calsher and hope he comes good soon, but as you said not only does not only does it give the coaching staff a interesting challenge and some lessor lights the opportunity to shine in the new year it will also help take the haste out of Calsher’s recovery time so he is cherry ripe when he returns.
Looking forward to training recommencing in January to see who goes where and who steps up.

 

[CD Xbow]

## Difference Between Stress Fracture and Stress Reaction in the Lower Back

Stress Reaction
A stress reaction is an early stage of bone injury characterized by micro-failures in the bone due to repetitive loading without adequate recovery. This condition manifests as inflammation on the bone's surface, often described as a deep bone bruise. Symptoms typically include dull lower back pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Movements that involve spinal rotation or hyperextension can exacerbate the pain[1][7].

Stress Fracture
A stress fracture occurs when a stress reaction progresses, leading to a crack in the bone. This condition is more severe and can result from continued stress on the bone before the stress reaction has healed. Symptoms are similar to those of a stress reaction but may include sharper pain during activities and potentially radiating pain into the buttocks[1][4]. Diagnosis often requires imaging techniques like MRI, especially if initial X-rays do not show clear signs of injury[4][9].

### Summary of Differences
| Feature | Stress Reaction | Stress Fracture |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Definition | Micro-failures in bone | Crack in the bone |
| Symptoms | Dull pain, worsens with activity | Sharp pain, worsens with activity |
| Recovery Time | 6-8 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Imaging Required | Often not visible on X-rays | May require MRI for confirmation |

## Recovery Times for a 20-Year-Old Male Athlete

For a 20-year-old male athlete, recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury:

- Stress Reaction: Generally heals within 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, athletes are advised to avoid activities that exacerbate pain but can engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness[2][5][9].

- Stress Fracture: Typically requires 12 to 13 weeks for complete recovery before returning to unrestricted athletic participation. This duration allows sufficient time for bone healing and may involve gradual reintroduction to sport under medical supervision[3][4][10].

In both cases, early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effective recovery and return to sports.

Citations:
[1] https://www.newcastlephysioclinic.com/lower-back-stress-reaction-stress-fracture-treatment/
[2] https://nyulangone.org/conditions/stress-fractures/support
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6044125/
[4] https://fittoplay.org/body-parts/back/low-back-stress-fracture/
[5] https://www.physio-pedia.com/Bone_Stress_Injuries
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK507835/
[7] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15841-stress-fractures
[8] https://www.tigerortho.com/pdfs/uw-health/spondy-rehab-guide.pdf
[9] https://fixio.com.au/lower-back-pain-and-sciatica/lumbar-stress-fracture/
[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4384749/
[11] https://www.drmarkprasarn.com/lumbar-stress-fractures-orthopaedic-spine-surgeon-houston-tx/

"Stress reaction" didn't really exist before MRI, much like bone bruising, you just didn't see them on plain X ray.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

That's as good as any forward line in the league.
People are sleeping on Sicily as a forward.
He is an incredible footballer who settled into defence first, not merely a defender.
We saw evidence of this every time he went forward last season, to say nothing of his highlights as a skinny youngster.

1 on 1 he will make defenders look silly. has the guile and class if the ball hits the ground too. Saw that in the SF should have had 3-4 goals in the last QTR just by having great forward craft.

 

[Roddy]

I’m utterly fascinated as to how the coaches will use Sic this year. Especially in the light of our KPF issues. Swinging him pretty permanently into the forward line is a tantalising prospect, especially with the two B’s coming on board this year. But his value as a floating interceptor across HB is profound as well. He’s probably the best in the league at that role.

He will be effective and valuable wherever he plays.

 

[CHUBBSS]

I’m utterly fascinated as to how the coaches will use Sic this year. Especially in the light of our KPF issues. Swinging him pretty permanently into the forward line is a tantalising prospect, especially with the two B’s coming on board this year. But his value as a floating interceptor across HB is profound as well. He’s probably the best in the league at that role.

He will be effective and valuable wherever he plays.

He would always force a defender to play him tight, could create a lot of options for others as well.

Has the ability to create fear at every contest for the defenders around him.

Think his most suited to the forward line when Gunston isn’t on the park and long term as a swingman with weddle, battle and sic, he can completely destroy sides playing loose in defence but we lose a lot when his tagged. This is where I think the swingman role will be critical in 2025.

 

[Roddy]

He would always force a defender to play him tight, could create a lot of options for others as well.

Has the ability to create fear at every contest for the defenders around him.

Think his most suited to the forward line when Gunston isn’t on the park and long term as a swingman with weddle, battle and sic, he can completely destroy sides playing loose in defence but we lose a lot when his tagged. This is where I think the swingman role will be critical in 2025.

Thinking about this some more, we're going to have swingmen galore - Sic, as discussed, Weds can play back, forward, midfield, wing or ruck (!!), Battle can swing forward, Dimma can and most likely will swing forward at times, Gunners goes back, or at least used to, on a regular basis....it's an embarrassment of riches in this area. And this is a wonderful thing. The flexibility is astonishing.