Polak’s recovery after being hit by a tram in the middle of last year has been amazing, but that’s not the same thing as being able to walk straight back into the Tigers’ best 22.
The 24-year-old was held in an induced coma after the accident, but has recovered to the extent that he has played for the Coburg seniors in recent weeks.
However Richmond director of coaching Brian Royal said Polak was still a long way from adding to his 106 AFL games.
“We’ve been absolutely amazed at how well Graham’s come back,” he said.
“His training form is slowly getting better, and we’ve just got to be very careful here with Graham, because everyone’s hopeful of where he can get back to, but we’ve still got to be very, very cautious about how we manage that.
“On the weekend (before last) he played against Williamstown for our VFL side Coburg, and has probably played his best footy since the accident.
“We were really pleased – he kicked a couple of goals, missed a couple as well, and took some really strong marks.”
Despite the hit-out, Royal said a return to top-flight football was a different matter and would proceed very slowly.
“We’ve just got to be careful on how quickly we push him, because he does get tired very, very easily ... and he’s quite forgetful.
“They’re little things that hopefully over time will sort themselves out – his memory is going to get better, but there’s still a long way to go ... As much as we’re pushing him up, people have got to believe that this is part of the rehabilitation.”
“We were actually surprised that he played VFL seniors on the weekend.
“Obviously we want to give him the best opportunity – he was keen, and he stood up.”
Dream Team watch – Graham Polak is rated a $298,100 defender in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
