IN THE PAST: Stuart Farr with children Oakley and Pixie after he announced his retirement from playing football last year. He is now considering a return to the footy field in green and gold. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
DIMBOOLA coach Stuart Farr has not ruled out a return to the football field this year.
Farr, who retired late last season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, said his knee was recovering better than expected and a mid-season return could be on the cards.
"I will see my doctor about it in March and hopefully I can start running again after that," he said.
"There's still a fair way to go and I won't push it if it doesn't feel right."
The nine-time Wimmera Football League premiership player admitted he thought his playing days were long gone after missing out on the chance to play in a 10th straight grand final victory, but his successful knee surgery had given his playing career a brighter outlook.
Farr said he was enjoying his fresh start at the Roos after 17 years involved in the Horsham Demons senior setup.
"I love it here," he said.
Fitness has been a major priority for Farr during the pre-season, with the Wimmera league mastermind conceding it was the hardest he had ever trained anyone.
"I can guarantee the players will be fitter than they have ever been," he said.
Farr said numbers on the training track at Dimboola Recreation Reserve were fantastic, with 35-40 players attending each of the tri-weekly sessions.
It has been a busy off-season of recruiting for the Roos, with a number of new faces at the club including former Mallee Football League ruckman Justin Chilver and Horsham premiership players Andrew Seers and Joshua Rentsch.
Former Dimboola players Mathew Everett and Ash Clugston have also returned to the Roos after stints in the Horsham District Football League and Mallee Football League respectively.