Stevie J: Playing with an injury?

[jamfrank]

So I'm looking at bringing in SJ this week. He's bottomed out nicely and is an absolute bargain at $501k for last year's highest averaging player, and the most expensive player at the start of the year. Geelong also have a really nice run home, with the Bulldogs, GWS and Melbourne in their immediate future.

However, his form is not good. 5 round average of 85 with a high score of 103 (his only tonne) in that time. I keep hearing that he's playing with a sore back, which would explain his form drop. Does anyone have any more information on the injury? Can we see a return to form for the once great SJ?

EDIT:

SJ has had a sore back...didn't train for weeks...he's back training now

Source: Geelong big footy forum, Tuesday.

[d.clohesy]

He has been injured. And has had limited training. There was also talk that since he is out of the brownlow that he has dropped off in his effort. It has happened before

[chief007]

Scott said he was playing a bit sore, Geelong say they don't play injured playes but have a look at tommerhawk last year played with a crook back, wldnt have though the brownlow has anything to do with it he gets reported most years and still plays well, to be honest I think he is the price he is for a reason I reckon wait till he actually puts up a good score before getting him in

[jamfrank]

Yeah, it does concern me that he may still be playing sore. But I need a mid under $529k capable of going big...there's also Swanny who looks a bit out of form or Fyfe. But SJ has the history of consistently going huge. If he can get over his injury, he could be a steal at this price...

[chief007]

Montagna can go bang got over the ton last week and was in crap form cld be on the rise, wat bout cotchin or Sloan as well??