Collingwood utility Brent Macaffer has recommitted for the 2012 season and is eager to rediscover the form that made him an important part of the 2010 premiership triumph.
 
The versatile 23-year-old endured a number of injury setbacks in 2011 and played just four games for a career total of 30, after an excellent campaign the season prior.
 
He told collingwoodfc.com.au that he is thrilled to be spending another year at the Westpac Centre.

"I am excited to be given another season at Collingwood after going through a really tough 2011," said Macaffer.

"This year was really frustrating with both form and injury."

Macaffer, who stayed in Melbourne over the off-season, had several discussions with senior coach Nathan Buckley at the end of the year on his future at the club.

"Once Bucks told me he wanted me to stay, it was just a matter of letting my manager work out the deal that both me and the club wanted.

"Bucks said I could play a pivotal role in the side if I was able to get back to my 2010 form, which I know I can."

Macaffer tore his pelvis in the lead up to the club's finals campaign in 2010 and was forced to inject the area before and during each match for the remainder of the season, including the Grand Final win.

The management of his injury set back the young Magpie's following preseason.

"I only started running a week before the first game of the NAB Cup.  I then made it back but fractured my foot in the round two match against North Melbourne."

Macaffer was sidelined for several weeks before he was sent to Flagstaff, Arizona to partake in a two-week training camp along with three other teammates.

"Arizona was really good for me and I was able to make it back and play a few games.  Unfortunately I fractured my back with less than a month to go before the finals and I was ruled out for the remainder of the season."

Macaffer is one of the many success stories of the rookie-list system at Collingwood, having been picked as a second-round rookie-draft selection at the end of 2006 from Victoria’s Gippsland Power under 18s side.
 
He spent two years developing at VFL level before earning permanent elevation at the end of 2008.
 
After five games in 2009, his debut season, Macaffer enjoyed a breakout 2010 in which he played 21 games and booted two goals in the club’s Grand Final triumph over St Kilda.  His rapid rise to premiership glory was a feat which he concedes played a part in his poor 2011 year.

"I think that's a fair comment.  

"I had never really experienced an injury since I began playing when I was 13.  

"2010 was a bit of a dream.  People kept telling me how lucky I was to win a premiership and I guess I thought my injuries will take care of themselves and I would be right to go.

"I have experienced both sides over the last two seasons and I can't wait to get stuck in a full preseason with the boys."

Macaffer returns to the Westpac Centre on November 14, with the entire list back the following week before they depart for Arizona.