Rick Ladson Biography

Premiership player Rick Ladson will join Essendon in 2012 as its development coach.

Hawthorn premiership player Rick Ladson will start his AFL comeback in the 2010 NAB Cup opener against Richmond since being heavily restricted by knee surgeries last year.

Hawthorn defender will miss the rest of season after having surgery on his right knee.

"He's been a really durable player for us the previous three or four seasons and this season, for whatever reason, it's just blown up for him," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"Hopefully by having this surgery, he'll be able to have a full pre-season and get himself right for 2010."

Hawthorn premiership defender Rick Ladson's frustrating wait for his 100th AFL game is nearly over.

A knee injury has marooned the rebounding backman on 99 games since last year's Grand Final triumph, but he has finally been able to step up and sustain his workload during the past month.

Ladson and fellow knee victim Stephen Gilham, who has managed only one game this season, joined the Hawks' solid two-hour workout at Waverley Park yesterday.