A return to the main training group isn’t far away for young defender Declan Watson, who is nearing the end of his tedious rehabilitation for a ruptured ACL.
Watson suffered the injury in late July last year and could be back alongside his teammates as early as next week if everything goes to plan.
“The knee’s coming along nicely, I’m about 11 months post-operation now so I’m looking to retinergrate with main training after the mini-break which will be nice,” Watson told North Media.
“At the moment I’m doing pretty much everything the squad’s doing in main training, but just by myself.
“I’m slowly getting used to having people around me again which is nice, but it’s a bit of a step up.”
The rehab group can be emotionally and physically testing when it comes to long-term injuries like Watson’s, but for the 19-year-old, the ability to remain a part of the gameday experience has eased the pain.
“I guess it does get a little bit more disappointing when it’s in-season and you’re watching the boys play, but I’ve been finding it pretty good going along to the VFL and AFL games, going into the rooms and talking with the boys just to see how everyone is going, which is nice,” he said.
“Around the club, it’s handy being able to come out on main training days and have a bit of a walk around and talk to the lads.”
Just a matter of months ago, Watson found himself in the rehab group alongside the likes of Sam Wright, Ben Jacobs and Paul Ahern, the three have all since moved on and are back in action.
Seeing his teammates make successful returns is what’s driving Watson to make it back too.
“Seeing some boys get back playing is good motivation for me,” he said.
“Especially seeing Pauly debut this week was nice, as well as Wrighty and Benny being back.
“From being in rehab with them at the start of the year, and seeing them back doing well is great.”
The defender is itching to lace-up the boots once again, and is hoping he could do as so before the season is out.
“We’re looking at maybe a few games at the end of the year, so it’d be nice if the VFL make finals, and hopefully I can squeeze a couple of games in.”
