Wayne Milera’s impending return presents as a major bonus for the Adelaide Crows next year.
The talented 24-year-old has had a wretched run with injuries over the past few years, playing only two games since the beginning of 2020.
He missed the entirety of 2021 with a knee injury sustained in pre-season training having been cut down by a foot stress fracture the season prior.
Milera has returned to full training with the Crows this week and his expected return to action in season 2022 will only benefit Matthew Nicks’ side.
SEN SA Breakfast’s Andrew Hayes is a massive fan of the dashing half-back flanker and considers his presence as similar to that of a brand new recruit.
“It’s great to see Wayne Milera doing some very good things,” Hayes said.
“He’s taken another step forward in his return from a season-ending knee injury. He did some minor contact work for the first time. He joined the main group for the full session a couple of days ago as well, so he’s doing some really good things.
“It’s been the best part of two years since Wayne Milera has played. He had that knee injury and missed all of last year and the year before that he just played the two games.
“It’s almost like he’s going to be a new recruit which is huge for the Crows.
“He’s been forgotten. When he was up and about a couple of years ago, they were talking about him in an unbelievably good space.
“Hopefully he can get somewhere near that again because he’s an absolute gun. I’m a massive, massive fan of Wayne Milera.”
Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney believes Milera’s line-breaking ability is exactly what the Crows need in 2022.
“I think he’s got a huge amount of potential,” he said.
“Adelaide desperately need someone who can break lines and get that handball receive off half-back. He is that and he’s got great agility and makes good decisions with ball in hand.
“He’s a 60-70 metre player, run it 20, kick it 50. If he can get back to his best footy, that would be a huge bonus for the Crows.
“As you said, he’ll be like a new recruit running off half-back.”
Milera has played 62 career games for Adelaide having debuted in 2016.
His best season in Crows colours came in 2018 when he played 19 games, averaging 19.4 disposals, 2.8 rebounds 50s and 2.5 inside 50s.