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Collingwood star Dane Swan has had his second wrist reconstruction after three years of growing discomfort.
The Brownlow Medallist came to Monday night’s AFL All-Australian dinner with his left arm in a sling after the post-season operation.
Swan had the same operation on his right wrist a few years ago.
“I’m really looking forward to being able to tackle with two hands and be able to fend off with my left hand – just use both hands without hurting,” he said.
“I haven’t really had two strong hands for probably about five years.”
Swan said the main reason for having the operation was being able to do every-day tasks properly.
“It’s been coming for a few years, I finally got it done,” he said.
“It’s not great, especially in a suit – it’s a little bit annoying.
“Funnily enough, it wasn’t really affecting my footy, (but) it was affecting everyday life.
“I’m left-handed so I couldn’t write, couldn’t pick up pens, couldn’t pick up papers and plates.”
Swan said he would be restricted to running until after Christmas and would not return to full-contact work until February or March.
But he expects to be ready for round one of the regular season.
While happy to have had the surgery, Swan is dreading a pre-season where he cannot do any ball work until the new year.
“Unfortunately for me, all I will be able to do pre-Christmas is running,” he said.
“The footy club are pretty happy about that, but I’m not.
“It might be a blessing in disguise, because while I can’t touch the footies, all they’ll do is flog me around our running track.
“I’m not looking forward to pre-season, but hopefully the benefit will really show at the start of next year.”
Swan is renowned for his exceptional disposal skills and is confident the extended time away from ball training will not hurt him too much.
“Thankfully, ‘touch’ is one thing where I seem to get back into the swing of things okay,” he said.
“The fitness side I probably the side I actually need to work on.”
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