HIGHLY-regarded Torquay veteran Tim Carty is making solid progress in his return from a severe knee injury that short-circuited his 2022 campaign.
The 34-year-old defender suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the Round 6 win over Modewarre, ruling him out of the rest of the season.
However, Tigers coach Dom Gleeson says medical staff are happy with how Carty is tracking, with a mid-season return not out of the question.
“I got an update from the physio … no major setbacks,” Gleeson said. “He had a little nick in the hamstring early days, but since then hasn’t missed a beat.
“We’re hoping he’s up for senior selection early to the middle of the year for us.
“It will be really exciting to get him back; he does mean a lot to the club, and the club means a lot to him, so it will be good to see him rebound.
List stability has been a key for Torquay as it looks to bounce back from the disappointment of its surprise grand final loss to Barwon Heads.
After suffering just one loss for the home-and-away season and handing the Seagulls a 75-point hiding in the second semi-final, the Tigers didn’t fire a shot in the decider, kicking just three goals as they suffered a 55-point defeat.
Leading goalkicker and BFNL Team of the Year member Cal Currie has departed for Central Highlands club Newlyn while Gleeson’s glittering playing career is done.
Grand final heartbreak story Roscoe Holmes has also hung up the boots.
However, veteran captain Ben Raidme will play on for one more year.
Former North Melbourne AFL rookie Charlie Ham has returned to McCartney Oval after spending last year with VFL club Werribee.
“Our focus (for) this year was all about retention,” Gleeson said.
“I feel like I’m a broken record saying it, but everyone (asks) when you lose a grand final, “who have you recruited? Who have you recruited?
“But, we’ve got to look internally because of some of the development that some of our guys have had over their time … we’ve just got to give them an opportunity.
“Not a lot of recruiting, but a lot of retention, which we’re proud of.”
Torquay has practice matches scheduled against GFNL clubs Bell Park and Grovedale and regular pre-season opponent Wallan.
The Tigers start their quest for a ninth BFNL premiership with a home twilight clash against Ocean Grove before hosting Queenscliff on Good Friday.
Twitter: @tom_king79
