Nick Malceski’s maiden season at Metricon Stadium has not gone according to script with a persistent knee complaint bringing his season to a screeching halt after just four games. But after returning prior to the bye, Rodney Eade is hoping the All Australian can be a key contributor in the back half of the season.
 
His first month for his new club was below the level he had achieved during his time at Sydney, particularly in his career-best season last year. But until the knee issue emerged, it remained unclear what was impacting his form.
 
After a diligent rehabilitation process, Malceski was forced to return ahead of schedule due to the injury curse in Carrara, and a lack of personnel forcing the selectors hands. Eade revealed on Wednesday the premiership Swan has pulled up sound from the run, despite being not fully prepared to return against Fremantle.
 
“I thought it was a step in the right direction with his form – he was okay and he’s trained really well since. Hopefully it’s smooth sailing from here for him,” Eade told reporters at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday morning.
 
“To be quite honest, he was quite reluctant to play because he didn’t think he had enough work – that’s why we started him as the sub. And as our luck’s running, we had an injury in the first ten minutes.
 
“So obviously we were very measured about his game time, we gave him more breaks off. But he’s pulled up really well.”
 
2014 club champion, David Swallow, was also ruled out after the disappointing ANZAC Day loss to Greater Western Sydney back in late April, with the midfielder suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury that has forced him to miss seven games.
 
Eade and the match committee will spend time deliberating over whether or not to rush Swallow back into the side given the amount of football he has missed this year. With Gary Ablett likely to return, Eade will need to balance the amount of players returning from injury in the seniors.
 
“David really depends on how many we play who haven’t played for awhile. So we’ve just got to weigh that up and obviously what’s best for David as well, so maybe he needs a game in the reserves,” Eade said.
 
“He’s trained very well, he’s done everything right and as we know he’s very professional about it. So it’s certainly tempting to play him.”