North Melbourne tall set for role change after “frustrating” 2023 setback
North Melbourne tall Charlie Comben has finally returned to full contract training after badly breaking his leg in Round 7 last season.
The Roos, who will spend this week up on the Gold Coast as part of their pre-season camp, will be buoyed by the emerging ruck-forward’s eventual return.
Comben was expected to return 10 weeks after his injury however had issues with the tendon in his ankle which prevented a predicted comeback.
He hopes he will be back to the full training load by Christmas or soon after the Christmas break.
“I have had a lot of injuries over my career, but this one was probably the most frustrating. I thought I was going to be back in about 10 weeks,” said Comben, via North Melbourne Media.
“Been a long road back, about six months off. So it’s good to join in with the lads and get me first for one out today. It’s pretty warm, so I struggled a bit, but sure I’ll start to come back.”
The 22-year-old was drafted in 2019 as a second-round selection. He debuted in 2021 and has only played nine games since then for a return of five goals. He had played all six games up until his injury in Round 7 of the 2023 season.
Comben’s position in the team will look a little different this year with a structure shift which will see him move down to the backline next year after Roos key back Ben McKay moved to Essendon for the 2024 season.
“I’m going for a move down back this year, which will be a different role. We have lost a key back during the trade period, so I’ll look to fill that role,” said Comben.
“Hopefully provide a bit of mark and intercept for us down back. (Its’) really exciting about the new role.”
Comben added he hopes to have a strong pre-season and be injury-free during the 2024 season.
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