Robbie defied doc's orders for career-best season by Terry Mallinder
ACCORDING to one doctor, 2006 Werribee best and fairest Robbie Castello should not have even been playing footy this year.
The recommendation came while the 21-year-old was suffering from stress fractures in his lower back.
I got one opinion from one doctor who said I had to have a year off footy," Castello revealed to The Times.
It was quite disappointing, so I got a second opinion and he said `no, you'll be right, just manage it'."
Manage it he did, with the help of his physio, and eventually the diminutive Castello produced the best year of football in his short career, beating some of the Tigers' big names for the Bruce Montgomery Trophy.
Castello said he was determined to put a frustrating 2005 season behind him.
"It was my second year at the club, and was trying to cement my spot in the ones, but had the back problem," he recalled. "I missed out on playing in the grand final, which was quite disappointing for me.
"So, I really worked my ass off in the pre-season, and got back into it.
"And it all came together."
The icing on the cake has come in the form of an invitation from the Western Bulldogs to do pre-season training at the Whitten Oval.
The Bulldogs are increasing their rookie spots next season from one to four, opening up opportunities.
"It does play in the back of your mind (getting close to an AFL gig)," Castello said. "But for me, if it doesn't work out, it will benefit my own game back down at Werribee anyway."
At 175cm and 75kg, Castello can play as a small at both ends of the ground.
From Calder in the TAC Cup, Castello played in the Cannons' 2003 premiership with current AFL players Brock McLean and Brent Hartigan.
"I nominated for the draft, but didn't hear anything from any clubs," he said. "It was a little bit disappointing, but I didn't think too much of it. I just thought I would play VFL."
Castello said he got an invite from Coburg, "but Werribee spoke to me a bit earlier".
"They've looked after me, so it's worked out really well. I've really enjoyed it down there.
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 11:02