Marsh finds silver lining during recovery

Injuries are an unfortunate part of WAFL football, and few are more aware of the fact than veteran Lion Harry Marsh.

The 2021 premiership player spent the off-season recovering from two hernias in his groin before returning in round five.

After building back fitness and getting back to his best, he came off the ground in round eight with a hamstring injury.

Marsh told Subiacofc.com.au there was a silver lining to his injuries this season.

“It’s very frustrating, but I guess that’s footy,” he said.

“I was able to get up into the coaches’ box and help them out a little bit.”

Marsh continued, saying the club has opportunities for injured players to stay involved.

“We’ve had players help out a couple throughout the year, it’s good to get a few senior boys rolling through that” he said.

“I think you learn a bit more from what the coaches see from their point of view as well, so it’s a good experience.”

Since returning in round 12, the 28-year-old has been building, averaging 18 disposals and 4.7 tackles per game.

Mixing his time across a variety of roles, he said his versatility is part of his skillset.

“I do get thrown around a fair bit, but I really enjoy my time in the midfield,” he said.

“I pride myself on being able to play a couple of positions, which is a positive for me.

“If I can stay in the midfield as long as possible, I’ll be happy with that.”

He said his body is feeling good and hoped the rest of the season will be a positive one for both him and the club.

The Lions are set to take on West Coast at New Choice Homes Park, a clash Marsh said was still important for the club going forward.

“I think you can’t just put the cue in the rack because you’re not going to make finals,” he said.

“We’ve made some pretty good improvements over the last couple of weeks in terms of gameplan and intensity.

“We’re playing the way we actually want to play.”

With the Lions in the rare position of being outside of finals contention, the ex-Sydney Swan said the next few weeks provided a unique opportunity for the group.

“It’s almost a free hit,” Marsh said.

“You’ve got nothing to lose so you may as well go out and see what happens.

“I’m hoping we go out with a lot of intensity and get a little bit more chemistry.”

The Eagles will have a host of AFL-level talent among their side, something Marsh said the group is excited to face.

“These are the games you get up for, that’s what you really test yourself against,” he said.

“Considering we've got a number of younger players coming through the team, I think it's a great opportunity to learn, especially up against bigger bodied AFL players.”