Setback for Bomber Neagle

ESSENDON forward Jay Neagle, seen by the Bombers as the long-term replacement for retired skipper Matthew Lloyd, has undergone groin surgery and will not return to full training until the beginning of 2010.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton told the Bombers' official website that the 21-year-old visited an expert in Sydney following the 2009 season after experiencing groin soreness and was advised that rest was the best course of action.

"Unfortunately Jay didn't respond as well as expected to rest and three weeks ago had surgery on his groin in Sydney," Hamilton said.
 
"By all reports the surgery went well and he will now work with the rehabilitation group until Christmas. We expect him to join in the main skills sessions at the start of next year.
 
"Obviously this is a setback for Jay but he will still be able to work on his conditioning while in the rehab group and we will concentrate on getting him physically right as soon as possible.
 
"We are confident we will still get a decent amount of training through him leading into the season."

Neagle, the son of former Essendon and Sydney Swans star Merv Neagle, played 12 matches in 2009 for 19 goals, and has appeared in 20 games over four seasons.