Brad Fisher is expected to return to football in 12 weeks following surgery this afternoon.

Brad Fisher suffered a partial tear of his right ACL in Saturday night’s NAB Cup match against Sydney and he underwent the revolutionary LARS surgery today. The ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) involves using a ligament made of industrial strength polyester fibres to augment the torn natural ligament.

Scans earlier this week confirmed the partial tear of the ACL and it was feared that Fisher would require 12 months of rehabilitation before returning to the game. However, after further examination of the injury and discussions with the medical team and the club, the 25 year old forward decided to undergo the LARS surgery to hasten his return.

Fisher also spoke with Sydney Swans player Nick Malceski who successfully returned to the game within several months following LARS surgery in 2008. Fisher and Malceski were team-mates at the Eastern Rangers Under 18 team in the TAC Cup Competition.

“Obviously this is positive news for Brad and the Club as it will see him return before the second half of the season. We underwent a thorough investigation as to the best treatment for this injury understanding that the LARS surgery is not always the most appropriate and are pleased that it was for Brad’s injury,” said Steven Icke General Manager Football Operations.