Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Sam Draper isn’t thinking about his surgically repaired Achilles but still won’t let his mind wander to September.
Brisbane recruit Draper feared he would never play again after rupturing his Achilles in April last year to end a six-year stint at Essendon.
His Lions debut was delayed by a pre-season foot complaint but he has managed 13 games since in a positive return from the serious injury.
The ruckman, who has celebrated his eight goals madly this season, played golf in Tasmania during the team’s recent bye and will return to the Gabba on Thursday to face second-placed Sydney (12-2).
“I don’t even think about it anymore,” he said of his Achilles.
“Definitely I had times last year where I wasn’t sure if I was going to play again.
“So to be back and playing good is a great feeling.”
His Lions assignment is to “be big out there and play with presence”, a task Draper relishes alongside fellow ruckman Darcy Fort and a stacked midfield.
“We’re both really selfless in the role; when one person says ‘yep, let me have a go’ (there’s no complaints),” he said.
“And I’m really starting to build that connection with all those (midfield) guys now. They’re making me look good I reckon, when I’m tapping it to them.”
The two-time defending champions have won twice since enduring a three-game losing skid.
Draper won’t be caught thinking about what might lie ahead, though.
“You can’t get too ahead of yourself … if you do, you get caught out and we won’t be playing finals,” he said.
“Sydney … it’ll be a really, really good game and I’m excited for it.”
Draper said the key would be slowing down the Swans’ attempts to get the ball moving quickly.
Veteran Lions defender Ryan Lester (calf) could return from injury while Sydney’s star midfielder Errol Gulden will return after more than three months out following shoulder surgery.
