Tom Langdon has proved to be one of Collingwood’s most reliable players since debuting for the club in round one, 2014.

After 19 games his his debut season, the defender was one of just four Magpies to play every home and away game in 2015. 

Such consistency means knee surgery this pre-season has left Langdon on unfamiliar ground as he starts the third season of his AFL career.

‘It’s been a bit of a new experience for me,” the 21-year-old told Collingwood Media.

“It’s been a bit frustrating for me and a bit of learning curve." 

Langdon posted career-high totals in disposals, kicks and tackles per game in 2015 as he quickly became an integral part of Collingwood's defence. 

However as he concluded the season, Langdon began to feel pain in his right knee.

“I felt my knee (was sore) towards the back end of last season. I kind of battled through that but in the end we thought that it was best if we went in and shaved a bit off the meniscus,” he said.

After attempting to naturally overcome the soreness, surgery was confirmed by Collingwood Director of Football Neil Balme in December.

“Tommy had been a little bit sore. We thought he would be OK but then he went to see the surgeon and they had a look at him and had to clean up his meniscus,” Balme told Collingwood Media on December 18, 2015.

After pre-Christmas surgery and four weeks on the sidelines, Langdon is now on the road towards returning to full training.

Foreign to the rigours of a rehab program, he has sought advice from two experienced Magpies who have undergone similar knee surgery.

“I’ve spoken to (Alan) Toovey and Goldy (Tyson Goldsack) a bit.”

“Just to get a basis as to how long the injury will be… when to pull back and stuff like that. They’ve been really helpful in that regard.

“It’s mainly just been cross-training and trying to keep my fitness up before I go back in to full training.

“It’s a lot of non-weight bearing activities. A lot of swimming, a lot of bike, a lot of boxing and stuff like that.”

All is built towards a return to full training, where Langdon is determined to build the strength required to take on taller forwards in 2016.

“It’s really important that I do all my rehab and try and get back on the track,” he said.

“One of the big focuses for me this year is trying to get my body stronger.

“I’ve spent a lot more time in the gym and improving my one-on-one contests by getting my body stronger and being able to play on those third-tall types.”

With the club’s first intra-club game drawing nearer, the race is on for Langdon to return to the fitness that has allowed him to become one of Collingwood’s most consistent defenders.