This story originally appeared on afl.com.au
INJURED Port Adelaide key forward Charlie Dixon is confident a shortened eight-week pre-season will have him firing for the start of next year.
The 27-year-old will be on limited duties for the next four to five months as he recovers from a broken right leg and a right ankle sprain.
Having undergone surgery last week, Dixon will have his right leg in a moonboot for another month, will be jogging after 10 weeks and return to training after the Christmas break.
He's been through this before, having had knee surgery in February 2016 and surgery on his left ankle in November the same year.
Despite the interrupted preparation, Dixon had a career-best season last year, booting 49 goals and averaging 6.5 marks per game.
"I've shown I can have eight weeks of pre-season and have a really good year," Dixon told reporters on Tuesday.
"That's what I had the year before, and had one of my best seasons.
"That can put me in a good stead."
Dixon's latest injury occurred when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest in the third quarter of the Power's four-point loss to West Coast in round 21.
Scans revealed there was a spiral fracture in Dixon's right leg.
"I heard a fairly significant crack," he said.
"I went straight from the ground to the hospital and got an x-ray straight away.
"As I'm getting wheeled back to the bed, the doctor said it was broken.
"I was pretty emotional.
"To know my season was done was pretty heartbreaking."
Dixon kicked 26 goals in 20 games this
He also revealed he's played with tendinitis in his left knee during the season.
"I've been carrying a bit of an injury with my left knee, so I'll have a fair bit of time with not a whole lot," he said.
"We spoke about that going
"There's not much I can do other than rest."
More on portadelaidefc.com.au
