As Tasmania Devils chase an unlikely finals berth from 13th position thanks to a wildcard round, one of the group's most respected talents makes his long-awaited return from injury.
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Forced to miss almost the entirety of the inaugural NAB League season since undergoing shoulder surgery in November, Launceston's Jared Dakin is back and ready to roll against Calder Cannons according to football manager Craig Notman.
"Jared will bring a lot of enthusiasm to the group. He's got a really good footy brain and we really rate him," he said.
"We made him one of the captains knowing that there's a possibility he wouldn't be playing at all over the course the year but the way that it's gone - he's rehabilitated really well and has been a really valuable member of our coaching group.
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"He's shown some real maturity in that he's been able maintain his place within the playing group but also adding value with his coaching."
Described by Notman as "one of the more draft-able players" within the Devils line-up, Dakin was swamped by team-mates when it was announced he'd be taking the field.
"We've been very cautious about his return to play, ensuring every box was ticked and making sure Jared was ready to play. His training over the past month has indicated that he's ready to go and I'm sure he will really enjoy the experience.
"From my experience in footy, I rate him up there with the top of the bunch in terms of the way he goes about it and his character."
The NAB League's wildcard round is set to determine the make-up of the finals series, with the Devils heading into Sunday's clash holding a 12-point win over their opponents in round four.
Devils Squad
Liam Viney, Oscar Shaw, Patrick Walker, Isaac Chugg, Matt McGuinness, Connor Riethoff, Sam Banks, Will Peppin, Sam Green, Harvey Griffiths, Jake Steele, Jye Menzie, Rhyan Mansell, Jackson Callow, Jack Rand, Jordan Lane, Lachlan Gadomski, Bailey Gordon, Jared Dakin, Joseph Chaplin, Hamish Allan, Harrison Ireland, Oliver Sanders, Baynen Lowe, Zach Adams, Jacques Barwick
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