Injuring your knee late in the season is never fun. From the highs to the lows and all the milestones I hit along the way, here’s a personal insight into my seven-week journey to get fit in time for our Preliminary Final win against GWS.

August 5 (48 days until the Preliminary Final)

One of the bigger rollercoasters of a day I’ve had. It was disappointing to lose but hurting my knee just compounded things. Hated being able to do nothing about it, but I was confident it was just bruising despite it being a big contest where the injury occurred. I went straight back to the club after the game and immediately got an MRI, which came back clean and just showed some bruising. I was pumped and ready to start preparing in the hope of playing next week against Geelong. The medical staff just wanted to make sure one more time, so I got a CT scan a couple hours later as it can show a bit more of the finer details. I was just about to leave the club with Josh when I got a call from our doctor, who told me they’d found a crack in my knee. I’ve never been so flat. While it’s hard news to take and there’s no definitive timeline yet, I’m staying positive that I’ll make it back for finals. I’ll have to determine my next moves over the coming days.

August 7 (46 days until the Preliminary Final)

Been a tough couple of days mentally, but I’m glad I’ve got a timeline now. The aim is for to be out for no more than six weeks, which would see me miss the Qualifying Final. I reckon I could make it back in time for that, but time will tell. Had a press conference at the club today about it all which was a little weird, but it was good to clear the air and end any speculation. Time to get to work.

August 11 (42 days until the Preliminary Final)

The last few days have been pretty repetitive. I’m on crutches and unable to walk, so it’s all been about getting rid of the bruising around my knee. Have spent a fair bit of time in the hyperbaric chambers too. Watched the boys play and get a good win against the Cats this evening which was a bit weird as I haven’t missed a game at all in my career so far. Nearly a week on, but all on track so far.

August 18 (35 days until the Preliminary Final)

Finally got off crutches today, pretty much two weeks since the injury. Boys went down to the Lions tonight unfortunately and we’re beginning to mount a bit of an injury list which is less than ideal. Things can be tough late in the season, but I’m confident we’ll regroup.

August 19 (34 days until the Preliminary Final)

Not going to waste any time now that I’m off crutches. Able to start doing some light weights in the gym now, focusing on isometric holds, especially in my lower body. Hoping it pulls up well so I can start running sooner rather than later, but doctors keep reiterating patience to me. I’ve got my eye on that Qualifying Final though.

August 22 (31 days until the Preliminary Final)

The team has been preparing for the last game of the home and away season all week against the Bombers, but I’ve been battling away with my rehab. It definitely makes you appreciate being fit and healthy all the time - long-term injuries can be pretty isolating. Everyone at the club has been really supportive though, my teammates especially. Weights and rehab are going well, but knee can swell up after it. Trying to keep on top of it, it generally goes down pretty quickly but I’m not allowed to run on a swollen knee so staying diligent.

August 30 (23 days until the Preliminary Final)

Have continued to rehab over the past week. I’m relatively pain free which is nice and starting to get a lot more movement back. We had the AFL Awards tonight which was a real honour to be selected in the All-Australian team alongside Josh especially, as well as Darcy. Dropped a couple of hints when I was up on stage speaking that I might be ready to go for next Thursday night in the hope the coaches would hear, but they’ve reiterated a cautious approach. It’s still over a week away, so I’ll do everything I can to get there.

September 2 (20 days until the Preliminary Final)

No footy to watch this weekend in the pre-finals bye, so have been having a good chat to all my coaches and our High-Performance Manager Wadey about where I’m at. We’ve got a big open training session tomorrow, so I’m going to show them what I’ve got, but with only five days until our Qualifying Final, it’s looking unlikely.

September 3 (19 days until the Preliminary Final)

Went for my first run in almost a month today which was a moment I’d been waiting for. Obviously not training with the main group yet and just did some solo running and skills work, but it was great to be back into it. Josh joked that I picked up into a bit of a sprint when I was just supposed to be jogging, and maybe he’s right, but it was hard not to be excited. It did feel a little awkward running again at first, but there was no pain. Having done no contact, it’s going to be hard to get up for Thursday, but I’m not ruling it out just yet.

September 5 (17 days until the Preliminary Final)

I can rule it out now. Had a chat to everyone and we were all on board with not playing in the first final. While it’s disappointing, it’s definitely the right decision. I’m praying we win, a week off will be crucial.

September 7 (15 days until the Preliminary Final)

That was stressful. Watching a final from the stands is not something I want to experience again; I was so nervous and a bit jumpy even. But we won, thank God, and we’re into a Prelim. Another week of rehab and running is going to do me the world of good. If we had to play a Semi Final I think I’d be ready to go, but this extra week will be perfect.

September 8 (14 days until the Preliminary Final)

All the boys were recovering after the win over the Dees last night, but I was on the track doing my running session. We’ve got two weeks until a Prelim, so I’ve got a really clear schedule and a few more milestones to hit. Me and a few of our coaches like Neville Jetta and Scott Selwood have been battling it out in my one-one-one sessions which can be pretty lonely not having my teammates there, but I’ve got a different timeline to them. The days seem to be moving slow, but everything is going well.

September 11 (11 days until the Preliminary Final)

Was the first day back for everyone after the first final, so we had a good group training session. I was able to join in with some low-key tackling and contact stuff, but it was nothing too strenuous. Friday is going to be the big day.

September 15 (7 days until the Preliminary Final)

All systems go today. We had a massive open training with the Magpie Army out in force and it was my first day having no restrictions. We did match sim in the second half of the session, and I felt great, flying around the track like I love to. Copped a few knocks and pulled up really well which was the biggest positive now that we’re only a week out. Having really positive conversations about playing next week.

September 20 (2 days until the Preliminary Final)

We’ve had a great week at training, especially since knowing our opponents are the Giants. I’ve got through everything well, felt really good at main training today and feel right back to my best. Wadey and all the coaches are really pleased with how the process has gone and I’m officially available for selection. Two days to go, I cannot wait.

September 21 (1 day until the Preliminary Final)

I’m in. It feels like a long time since that day in early August, but it’s finally here. I’m excited, feeling fit, and refreshed. Time to swoop.

September 22 (Following the Preliminary Final)

My God. What a game, what a win. The Magpie Army were insane. One to go.