CTV> Sharrod Wellingham speaks to CTV about his injury after the season and his goals for 2009Sharrod Wellingham seized his first opportunity to play an AFL game when Anthony Rocca was a late withdrawal on Anzac Day of this year.
On one of the biggest stages in football, Wellingham impressed many with 17 possessions, four marks and four tackles.
“I said at the start of the year that I was hoping to play most of the year in the one’s so it was good and I was happy with how I went,” Wellingham said to CTV after his first full training session of the preseason.
The 20 year-old picked up in the 2006 rookie draft (pick 10) managed 12 games this season before succumbing to a foot injury against Sydney in round 21.
“It was a bit annoying not to be able to play in the finals that would have been even better to get that experience. It was just unfortunate that I didn’t make it through the rest of the season.”
His foot injury prevented Wellingham from travelling to Arizona with the rest of the main playing group. He is now at a stage where he can run and train with the rest of the team.
“I hurt my foot against Sydney last year so I am restricted as far as running. I have had my first full training session this week so it’s been good, a bit sore which is good and hopefully be ready.”
After tasting his first senior football experience last year, Wellingham has his eyes set firmly on holding a senior spot next season.
“Probably first and foremost ready for the start of the season, it’s a bit annoying because I have never really not done a preseason so I will have to but a bit more work in for the start of the year but hopefully be ready to play all during the year and solidify my position so I am ready to play all year.”
After arriving from Western Australia in 2006, Wellingham understands how difficult it can be making a transition to a new club and has quickly established a rapport with the new Collingwood draftees.
“The first years are settling in pretty quickly. We went around the house the other day and hung out with them for a little while. They are really nice guys. Hopefully they can break into the team at some stage during the year.”
