Sunday, 15 December 2002 12:00 AM
South Melbourne’s victory over the Kingz may have come at a cost with an injury to Coveny and the suspension of Susa, but with a Bye this weekend and a chance for the players to rest, Danny Wright will definitely have his hands full leading up to the crucial encounter with Newcastle.
Coveny was substituted in the 25th minute, coming off the field with a hamstring injury that luckily proved not to be serious. South’s leading goalscorer acquired a knock to his hamstring and began cramping during play. He has bruising and will need physiotherapy treatment but should be fully fit for the Round 15 match at home.
“I couldn’t move and at the time I thought I had serious damage to my hamstring. The hamstring doesn’t feel that good today, but I’m hopeful I will be alright for next Sunday”, says Coveny.
Susa has been given a week’s suspension for the two yellow cards he received in his first match of the season at home. Susa’s season has again been interrupted but will be training hard to maintain his fitness.
“I haven’t seen the tape yet, but Susa was very unlucky to receive a second yellow card. We are all disappointed as Susa has been in limbo during the first half of the season and his comeback has now been halted”, says Wright.
Another player to benefit from the Bye will be Bill Damianos who has recovered from his injury and that extra week will give him a chance to prove his fitness and strengthen his hamstring. Apart from Zeljko Susa, Wright should have a full squad to choose from next week.
Wright will give the players a chance to refresh, nurse their injuries and take time away from the training field. This morning the squad took a walk at the beach to heal some soreness and tomorrow night the players will take time out to enjoy some ten-pin bowling.
“The deliberate change of schedule will allow the players to refresh and spend time together off the track as we head towards the second half of the season”, says Wright.
With South Melbourne taking a small break, Australia’s Under 20’s will occupy Bob Jane Stadium this Saturday afternoon, when they host Fiji in the first leg of the Oceania Under 20 World Cup Qualifier.
Australia easily accounted for their Group A opponents while Fiji upset New Zealand to take out Group B. Australia has a strong squad, which has been training at Bob Jane Stadium throughout the World Cup campaign. The match kicks off at 1.30 PM.