Ahead of the Wanderers’ Round of 16 match against Palm Beach Sharks tonight, Brendon Santalab addressed the media discussing the match and his return to competitive football.
Santalab had a disjointed 2014/15 season in both a physical and figurative sense after suffering two different injuries on the same shoulder.
Extensive months in rehab on the path to recovery only recently reaped the benefits for the striker who on his return in the club’s pre-season friendly against Canberra FC scored with his first touch.
This was the first time he played since being substituted off against Adelaide United in February this year.
For Santalab, it was a relief to run back onto the field beside his fellow teammates after such a lengthy and physical battle off the field.
“It’s been a long road to play again and last year I missed out on a lot of football. It’s great to be back and to score some goals which is what I am looking forward to the most,” he explained.
Such a strong return back to the game has sparked a sense of confidence for Santalab who is moving forward from his injuries.
“I feel great. I’ve worked on my shoulder over the last few months and I’m feeling really good.
“I’m training hard and I’m ready to go.
“My thoughts are solely focused on the game and to win. I’m completely over my injury and I am excited for the game on Tuesday and for the season ahead.”
Tomorrow evening could potentially be the first real competitive match Santalab has featured in since his appearance in Round 18.
The hard work and intensive training regimen during the pre-season has set a positive tone throughout the squad in relation to their upcoming Westfield FFA Cup match tomorrow night.
“We’ve worked hard over the last couple of months in pre-season and we want to continue our undefeated run this pre-season.
“Tomorrow is a big game for us. We want to do well in this competition, it starts here with Palm Beach and we will show them the respect they deserve.”
Following the match against Palm Beach the team will be embarking on another week-long training camp which will give them further opportunity to bond and train.
“With a lot of new players the week is going to be great for us. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to together and get to know each other.
“It will also be good to get another week’s worth of training under our belts”.
