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Suns defender Bock backed for AFL opener

10th January, 2013
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Finally, Gold Coast Suns defender Nathan Bock can relish some good news.

Suns coach Guy McKenna has thrown support behind former All-Australian Bock’s claim that he could overcome a broken leg and run out in the AFL season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

It’s a welcome shot in the arm for Bock – then again, he was due.

The Suns vice-captain will file 2012 under “the year to forget” after missing the first two rounds due to a betting scandal ban, suffering a broken leg in round six and being rocked by his mother’s jailing for drug trafficking.

However, 2013 has already started well for Bock after McKenna backed his prized defender to shoot for the season opener at Carrara.

McKenna confirmed Bock’s rehabilitation was a month ahead of schedule.

“The Saints clash may be ambitious but I like the way he is thinking,” he told the Suns website.

“My reports were that we were going to manage him until Christmas (so) he’s probably done more than what we expected prior to the holiday break – that’s why I’m optimistic.”

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At least, McKenna could find one positive from Bock’s terrible 2012.

He claimed the former Adelaide Crow had added another season to his career after all but sitting out last year.

“He’s had a few niggles before with his Achilles and knees, and he has had a few grumbles while he was in Adelaide,” McKenna said.

“But I see him returning from his broken leg as a positive disaster for us.

“Hopefully he helps us win more games of football but for him it’s probably freshened his body up which might give him another season later on in his career.”

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