AS CARLTON tries to kick-start its season at Etihad Stadium tonight, it does so knowing that Jarrad Waite won't be part of the Blues' rebirth until early next year at best following his knee reconstruction. It's a crying shame as he was in career-best form and is a linchpin for the team.

What's even more disappointing is that he could have been back in time for Carlton's run at the finals.

But the Blues have ignored that option, as most clubs continue to turn their backs on an alternative technique for knee victims - the Malceski option.

Last year they opted --following the lead of a growing number of sportsmen around the world - to use the new-age reconstruction technique that features an artificial ligament.

This operation allows you to resume playing in as little as 10 weeks, in much better shape than the conventional knee reconstruction as there is no collateral damage to the hamstring or patella tendon that dogs so many players following the operation, and leads to a significant chance of arthritis once their career is over.

I don't watch Sydney because they put me to sleep but is Malceski playing well and has there been any follow up issues with his surgery?