Tuesday, 7 January 2003 12:00 AM
Robert Liparoti has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and as a result will miss the rest of the season.
The central defender had a slow start to the season playing few games, but in the last month Liparoti has been in favour with his coach and has risen to the occasion standing firm in the centre of defence.
Liparoti undertook an MRI scan yesterday that showed damage to his knee, which he says, is not as bad as his previous knee reconstruction three seasons ago.
“I am still able to move around which is a good sign. My knee doesn’t feel as bas as the last time I had a similar injury.”
“I will be out for the season, which is a shame as I was beginning to play regularly and was playing well in my last few starts. This injury will only make me stronger”, says Liparoti.
Liparoti damaged his right knee in Round 2 against Carlton in season 2000/2001 and missed the entire season. He worked hard over that period and spent every training session with his teammates working just as hard to recover from his long-term injury. He is sure to do the same this time round and get back into the good form that he was showing in the past weeks.
“Had the injury occurred during a training session or in a practice match it would be difficult mentally to get back, but Liparoti is in the best form of his career and will now want to get back to full fitness”, says Wright.
Liparoti, who will be visiting the surgeon next week, will be out for at least six months. South Melbourne would like to wish Robert a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in action, in front of his home fans at the beginning of next season.