Surfcoast skipper finds form after injury

SURFCOAST Chargers captain Jason Reardon is finding his rhythm again after a long stint on the sidelines and the 42-year-old has no plans of slowing down.

The skipper went down with an Achilles injury just before Anzac Day and returned against Collingwood in Big V Division 2 in mid-June.

“Being 42, I don’t think it’s going to get much easier and I probably pushed it a little bit too hard because I knew we had a couple of weeks off,” he said.

“So I just went for a run that was probably a bit longer than what I normally would and it just flared up and it just wouldn’t settle.

“And then after week five [of rest], I was like ‘Right, I think I’m at the stage now where I’ve just got to push through’.

“And it’s funny because since coming back, it’s actually improved dramatically.”

He explained the injury.

“It’s basically tendinopathy of the Achilles, basically the ligaments have just flared up.

“And because I’m an electrician by trade, I’m up and down ladders all day, every day.

“So I just didn’t get a chance to rest it.”

After getting through the Collingwood game unscathed, Reardon knocked down 20 points against Melton and 19 against Mornington.

He is feeling good, and provided some insight into how he is navigating the game.

“I’ve played for a long time and you find ways because the boys are definitely more gifted athletically and they’re faster, quicker and more athletic, and I’ve just got to find a way to make shots,” he said.

“If my shots are dropping then I can always contribute. Being an older guy, I just need to be more vocal and try to organise the guys a little bit with my voice.”

He has no plans of retiring from high level basketball.

“Whilst I’m contributing and playing the role and doing a thing, I don’t see a reason why I should stop,” Reardon said.

“The great thing is, whilst I was away, Aaron Ruiz stepped in massively. Harry Moran, he stepped in and did an amazing job. So it’s just added strings to our bow to be honest.”