Luke Dahlhaus has made his football return ahead of schedule in a reserves scratch match against the Gold Coast.
The veteran Cat played a half of football against the Suns, just over a month after bone stress developed in the small forward’s heel.
Dahlhaus piled plenty of pressure, laying a number of strong tackles while saying he felt unhindered by his problem foot.
“It feels fine, it feels really good,” he said.
“I was a bit worried when I first did it, I originally thought it’d be about six to eight weeks, but it’s only been about four and a bit now, I’m really happy I could get back out there and get some ks in the legs.”
The last time Dahlhaus played at a reserves level he was sporting his trademark dreadlocks.
“2011 I was playing for the Williamstown Seagulls so it’s been a while, but I really loved it. I really loved playing with the younger boys and getting around the forward line,” he says.
“I tried to just do the usual stuff, just bring that pressure, that’s my role in the team so it’s not too hard to do.”
The Cats were much improved in their output against the Suns who they played just a week prior.
We really spoke about that,” Dahlhaus said.
“The last time we were out on this exact ground we probably lowered the colours and the boys really wanted to respond and I think we definitely have today.”
Josh Jenkins impressed in his second game back from injury, playing full game time and providing a veteran presence up forward and in the ruck.
“He looks really good Joshy, he’s playing well up forward and he’s even been in the ruck a couple of times which will help out our bigger boys when he comes into the side,” Dahlhaus said.
“I think he’s been really, really good.”
Jordan Clark provided plenty of dash on the wing in his second outing after returning from a dislocated shoulder.
“He’s always running hard Clarky, he’s been good again today on the wing so hopefully he’s pushing for that selection and we can see him again in the AFL very soon,” Dahlhaus said.
Other Cats to impress included Charlie Constable in the midfield, Jake Tarca and Francis Evans up forward and Blake Schlensog and Zach Guthrie in defence.
“I think Charlie Constable always does really well, Jake Tarca has been really good as that small forward, Blake Schlensog goes really well in the backline as well,” Dahlhaus said.
“I really could name everyone today, I think we really brought the pressure and played the way we wanted to after lowering our colours last week.”
Nakia Cockatoo once again got through unscathed, playing through the midfield alongside Quinton Narkle who also played his second match back after a hamstring strain.
