Daniel Menzel
April 8, 2016
BG: Hi Daniel, thanks for your time.
DM: No worries mate.
BG: You were drafted to Geelong with pick 17 in the 2009 Draft, and made your debut in Round 20 of your first season, 2010. What was the build up like for your debut and how did you enjoy that experience?
DM: There is a lot of nerves and excitement around your debut game as you realise that you are achieving your dream and that's where your teammates and coaches are great in helping you stay calm and enjoy it.
BG: In 2011, you found some excellent form, earning a Rising Star nomination in Round 13 and cementing your spot in the Geelong side. Tragically, you were struck with injury in your first final, rupturing the ACL in your right knee and missing the chance to win a premiership that season. How difficult was it to miss out on Grand Final day?
DM: It was really difficult to miss out on grand final day as you don't feel a part of it unless you are in the 22. Also being injured so close to the grand final made it tough but as a 19-year-old at the time, it's hard to comprehend, you want your teammates to win but that doesn't make it any easier.
BG: You made your return through the VFL the following year, and ruptured the ACL in your left knee in your first game back. After all the recovery you had been through for your right knee, what was your mind set like having to go through this all again?
DM: It is really difficult when you realise what might have occurred as it feels like you've put in 9 months of work for seemingly nothing. To know the work that you've put in, it feels like it is cruelly taken away again.
BG: You re-injured your knee yet again in the off season, and this time opted to undergo LARS reconstruction surgery. Can you please explain what LARS surgery is, and the type of recovery work that you had to partake in?
DM: LARS surgery is a shorter recovery time in terms of ACL rehab, usually around 3 months which is 3 times faster than a normal ACL rehab. So therefore, after going through 2 in nearly 18 months, this seemed like the right option. It's a synthetic rod which is put in the knee as the graft but unfortunately not everyone's body will take to this foreign ligament.
BG: Unfortunately, your luck failed to improve, as you re-injured this same knee in your second game back in the VFL the following season, requiring a devastating fourth knee reconstruction. Was there ever a time where you thought the AFL dream may be over and retirement was an option?
DM: There was never a time when I thought it might be over, I was realistic and knew that I was in for a massive challenge but with the team around me and my drive, I knew that I would make it back.
BG: The mental strength you had to have to overcome these injuries was exceptional. What hobbies did you have to keep you distracted whilst in the tough stages of recovery?
DM: It's important to keep busy and have other things to turn to when rehab isn't going as you would like. For me it was coaching my own kids team as well as things like commentating and trips away to break up the rehab.
BG: In Round 22, 2015, you made your long awaited AFL return, completing the fairy-tale comeback, 1450 days since your last AFL match. How did it feel to return to the MCG, and kick 4 goals in this game?
DM: It was a surreal feeling to be back playing, the last time I was on the MCG was the 2011 grand final so that really hit home, to be back playing and play well was an amazing feeling.
BG: There must have been some dark times throughout your rehabilitation. What inspired you to do the hard work and make it back to the elite level?
DM: There were a couple of things that got me through, my network around me played a huge role as well as the support I received from the footy community. But it meant so much to me to get back and so my drive was a major factor.
BG: Heading into your seventh season you’ve played just 23 AFL games. Is your dream to win the premiership that you missed out on in 2011, or is it simply to continue your career and play as many games as you can?
DM: My goal is to win an AFL premiership, but also personally to improve each game and become the player I want to be.
BG: Daniel, thanks very much for your time. I wish you the best of luck for the remainder of your career.
DM: Thanks mate.