Rehab is a lonely place at a football club.

Teammates surround and support you, but your program is different to everyone else.

When they take part in match simulation, you run laps. When they’re in team meetings, you’re alone in the gym.

Matthew Scharenberg knows more about this than almost anyone else on Collingwood’s list.

Since being drafted in 2013, the South Australian has undergone serious foot problems, while twice tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Scharenberg has played eight games in 2017 after making his long-awaited return from injury against Brisbane in round 10.

Since the 21-year-old has joined the main group, Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has seen him confidence sky-rocket.

“His confidence is starting to rise, week on week,” Pendlebury told Collingwood Media podcast ‘Jock and Journo’.

“You see it around the place. He’s more confident around the footy club. He feels part of it.

“Rehab is such a lonely place.”

LISTEN: How highly does Pendles rate Scharenberg? Tune in to the conversation on Jock and Journo.

Scharenberg is currently enjoying his strongest patch of form in the Magpies’ AFL side.

Prior to Sunday’s loss to Port Adelaide, he produced five consecutive career-best disposal tallies – culminating in a 27-touch game against North Melbourne.

Pendlebury believes he is crucial to Collingwood’s backline stocks.

“He’s building like everyone thought he would.

“He’s starting to look really comfortable out there. He’s starting to use the ball better… and going from strength to strength.”

Scharenberg’s form was one of many topics discussed on episode 19 of ‘Jock and Journo’. Listen to the full podcast below, with notable talking points including:

Early All-Australian teams (3:15), the best wingman in the comp (7:00), Brodie Grundy’s improvement (8:30), Copeland Trophy predictions (9:20), the embarrassment of chasing possessions (11:15), All-Australian wildcards (15:30), All-Australians vs premiers? (17:50), will Pendles play International Rules? (19:00), the MRP’s ‘mystifying decision’ (22:00), Ross Lyon rumours (27:00), August trade and free agency updates (30:45), off-season training routines (37:45), Matt Scharenberg’s confidence (38:20) and more.