New Blue Jaksch fit, targeting round one

Relieved Carlton recruit Kristian Jaksch says he’s won his battle with a worrying foot injury and is targeting a round one debut with his new AFL club.

Jaksch, who switched from GWS to Carlton at the end of last season, has returned to full training since being diagnosed in November with an injury that could have potentially sidelined him for most of the 2015 season.

The former Oakleigh Charger suffered a stress reaction in a navicular bone and was immediately ordered into a moon boot.

It’s an injury that can degenerate into a career-threatening issue like the one suffered by former Geelong player Matthew Egan, who was ultimately forced into early retirement, so Jaksch knows how lucky he is to be back on track.

“I’m 100 per cent, which is a lot different to the initial prognosis where I was going to miss most of the year,” Jaksch said on Tuesday.

“When we initially got the scans we thought it was a lot worse than it actually was.

“With Jack Trengove’s (situation) and Cameron Giles here, there have been some other pretty serious cases of navicular injuries, so everyone was a little bit worried.

“But we did full diligence, got all the scans and saw all the experts and it turned out to be not so bad. After a couple of weeks I was confident I’d get back for the start of the season.”

The availability of the versatile 196cm key position prospect is a great result for Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, who plans to play him in defence initially.

The 20-year-old is also capable of developing into a key forward and it’s that potential that made the Giants reluctant to part with the player they selected 12th overall at the 2012 national draft.

Jaksch managed just seven games in two seasons with the fledgling club before seeking greater opportunities in his home state.

“It was pretty challenging, but it was a decision I didn’t take lightly,” he said.

“GWS were amazing and gave me the opportunity to start my career and I’m grateful for that but it was time for a change.

“I thought that my life and my football we’re going to be better suited to being in Melbourne.”

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