Head Coach Des Hasler spoke this morning about the loss of Brett Morris and what his plans are moving forward.
After the news earlier in the week surrounding the injury to Brett Morris that will see him sidelined for up to four months, Coach Des Hasler knows the impact the loss of Morris will be.
“I think he will be sorely missed not just by us, but also the fans,” said Hasler.
“We are quite confident with the players that will step up and respond.
“The upshot is that he will be back sometime this year.”
It’s been a frustrating 12 months for the fullback who battled injuries throughout 2015 and after battling through the pre-season, the speedster was sent for an arthroscope at the beginning of the week, but complications required that surgery be performed and while he is disappointed, the fullback realises this is a part of what players go through.
“He was very disappointed, but he is also a realist and he understands that injury is part of what the process that players go through.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
At the conclusion of the 2015 season, Morris was sent for stem cell surgery on his knee and while hindsight is a wonderful thing, Hasler admits, the Bulldogs wouldn’t have changed anything.
“No we wouldn’t have changed anything.”
The loss of Morris will see the likes of Brad Abbey and Will Hopoate come into the picture and while Hopoate has been named this week, Hasler conceded that Abbey’s time will come.
“Brad has a big future in front of him and when the time is right, his opportunity will come.
“Will has that versatility to his game and he is a handy footballer. He will be good for us.”