There are some itches long fingernails and hardy wrists cannot satisfy.
Port Douglas ruckman Lucas Teasdale has discovered the one to play football can only be ignored for so long.
The 28-year-old has spent most of the AFL Cairns season on the sideline, taking a break from football to spend time with his young family.
But like the siren’s song the lure of a Sherrin is hard to resist.
"It wasn’t a retirement or anything. I just needed some time away from football," the giant ruckman said of his sojourn.
"But about halfway through the season I started thinking about coming back and the more I hung around the footy guys the more the hunger came back to play again."
Teasdale made his return against the Cairns City Cobras a fortnight ago before backing up against North Cairns last week.
Tomorrow, he will take his spot in the Crocs side playing the in-form Centrals Trinity Beach at Crathern Oval.
His talents have been welcomed by the Crocs, who are the most improved in the league.
After his side copped a series of floggings at the start of the year, coach Shaun Valenta has infused enough belief in his players for the Crocs to evolve into a competitive unit.
But any new-found self-confidence will be tested by the Bulldogs, who have not been beaten for more than two months.
The Crocs will be without John Raffele for the encounter after he was suspended for two weeks after being found guilty of striking in last week’s fiery match against the Tigers.
Teasdale said the Crocs were not afraid of reputations and would force the Bulldogs to produce their best.
Read more at: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/07/31/55245_local-sport-news.html
Last Modified on 31/07/2009 12:43