By Glen Atwell
DANDENONG Rangers co-captain Sam Richards has suffered a setback in her recovery from a knee injury.
The play-making point guard had surgery after dislocating her knee earlier this year, but persistent pain and swelling has delayed her comeback to the court.
Richards said the pain hadn’t jeopardised the success of her surgery, and more time on the sidelines should alleviate the problem.
“The rehabilitation was going along fine until I started running and putting some work into the knee,” she said.
“I developed some swelling and pain at the rear of the joint and it has slowed me down.”
Richards had her sights set on a November return, but will now have to settle for a later date.
“It’s never easy sitting on the sidelines, especially when the team is having a hard time on the court,” she said.
Dandenong assistant coach Ed Dunstan said Richards would most likely return to the court in the new year.
“It’s disappointing, but that’s the way it goes,” he said.
The news of Richards’ setback has only compounded the Rangers’ injury woes.
Kathleen McLeod is still recovering from osteitis pubis, leaving the Rangers without a point guard specialist.
Shelley Hammonds is also recovering from a long-term injury.
After being a dominant force in the league for so long, it looks like the Rangers’ turn to spend some time at the lower end of the Women’s National Basketball League ladder.
