Easton Wood
Guernsey number: 10
2013 games: 5
Career games: 47
2013 goals: 1
Career goals: 6
 

Season in short:

Playing just one match up to round 20, Wood’s season was marred by injury until he found touch late. After a serious hamstring tear in round three, the defender spent an extended period of time on the sidelines before working his way back through the VFL to play the last four games of the season. Contributing strongly to the Dogs’ late-season revival, Wood’s work mopping up down back and launching forward thrusts demonstrated his relentless running ability and strength over the ball.

Stat that mattered:

While Wood’s average stats are deflated by the round three clash where he was injured in the first term, he still produced a number of reasonable results for the year. Wood found 17 possessions, five marks and four rebound 50s against Carlton on return from injury, while his five inside 50s and three rebound 50s performance against Brisbane in round 22 was influential. A 26 disposals and eight mark game in the VFL was also promising.

What they said:

“It’s been a long time out and… last week was the first game with no restrictions, so to finally have the shackles off in a sense was a great feeling… I feel like now I can finally say I am ready and I am confident again in my body - it might sound like a simple thing but I haven’t been able to say that all season.”

- Easton Wood during August 2013

Pre-season focus:

Wood spent an extended period in the weights room this year, working with club medical and conditioning staff strengthening his lower body to rehabilitate the hamstring injury that had plagued him. While an uninterrupted pre-season will be the focus, the athletic defender will look forward to working with the team's emerging defensive group, building confidence, combination and form ahead of 2014. 

In the news:

Wood all good

Johannisen undergoes surgery, Wood in mix

Dogs rehab group progressing