After a brilliant start to the season, in which the 17-year-old firmed as one of the stars of this year's crop, Plowman landed awkwardly on his arms after flying for a mark in the Calder Cannons' loss to Geelong in May.??
He had surgery on a dislocated elbow and damaged ligaments, and missed all of Vic Metro's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. However, he will line up for the Cannons against the Western Jets on Saturday at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
It is the last game of the TAC Cup home and away season, with the Cannons likely to play an elimination final after that. ?
"He's done a power of work and we've been really conservative with him," Cannons coach Martin Allison told AFL.com.au.
"For him it's now about getting back some confidence, and getting through a game. To have him back in the side across the backline really gives us some strength there."??
Plowman played for Vic Metro at last year's under-18 carnival as a bottom-ager, and was selected in this year's AIS-AFL Academy squad. He's an athletic defender with excellent skills and decision-making who sets up the play from the back half.
In a draft scattered with midfield talent, Plowman is seen as one of the top key position players available.
His rehabilitation from the injury has been a long one, but even through this year's championships Plowman was at nearly every one of Metro's training sessions keeping up his conditioning as his arm recovered.
He was close to playing two weeks ago for the Cannons, but the club decided to be extra careful as it didn't have a game last weekend.
Allison said the focus had been to not rush Plowman's progress, instead making sure that when he is selected by an AFL club in late November, he is ready to train.??
"That was at the front of our minds," Allison said.??"We can assume with a bit of confidence that he'll be picked, so wherever he lands come draft day, we want him to be arriving there fit and healthy.
"We've really taken a cautious approach but we're excited to have him back."??
Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey. ?
