Love for the state

Reece Homfray

06May08

Steven Eichner supports state footy despite injuring his leg in a state game two years ago and spending 20 months on the sideline.

PORT Adelaide's Steven Eichner is a walking advertisement why not to play state football.

But try telling him that.

Two years ago Eichner was playing his first senior game for the SANFL state side against the WAFL at Adelaide Oval when disaster struck.

``I had my left leg planted and went down for the ball when a bloke slid in from the side,'' Eichner said.

``Then my knee just popped out and there was instant pain.''

Doctors likened the knee dislocation to that of a car-crash victim and Eichner did not return to the football field for 20 months.

The former Collingwood rookie admits at the time, he was ``disappointed and upset'' with the injury.

But not for a second does he regret pulling on the famous SA guernsey and has urged anyone who gets the chance to play state footy to go for it.

``I was excited,'' he said.

``It's an honour to represent your state.

``At the time I'd only played 13 SANFL games and here I was alongside blokes who'd played 150 games  guys like (Brett) Backwell, (Jade) Sheedy, Jeremy Clayton and (Andrew) Whiteman.

``You don't see state footy in the AFL anymore, not like it used to be.

``It's another level for SANFL footballers. It's the best thing outside of the AFL.''

After the injury on May 26, 2006, Eichner spent 12 weeks on crutches before easing into swimming and weights work.

He started running with his teammates at the end of 2007 and made his unofficial return to the game in trial games over summer.

The 24-year-old has now played all five games for the Magpies this season and is slowly returning to the form that had him at Collingwood in 2003.

``Each week I'm getting better and getting more confidence,'' Eichner said.

``I probably lost a yard or two of speed but I'm getting it back and twisting and turning hasn't been a problem.''

The SANFL has announced a 29-man squad to prepare for the clash with Victoria at Adelaide Oval on May 31. It includes: Ian Callinan, Paul Thomas, Daniel Havelberg, Daniel Schell, Andrew Hayes, Leigh Westhoff (Central District), Brett Backwell, Ben Kane, Trevor Cranston, Adam Fisher (Glenelg), James Allan, Clint Alleway (North Adelaide), Corey AhChee, Jeremy Clayton, Steven Summerton (Port Adelaide), Jason Torney, Josh Thewlis, Craig Parry (South Adelaide), Brant Chambers, Jade Sheedy, Ian Perrie, Tristan Gum, Nicholas Wark, Charlie Sharples, Luke Crane (Sturt), Mark McKenzie, Luke Powell, Brad Dabrowski, Nick Salter (Woodville-West Torrens).