It’s been frustrating year for Declan Mountford, but his fortunes could soon turn with the midfielder eyeing a return to football within a month.

“I got a little tear in my hamstring a couple of weeks ago, but the recovery is going really well,” Mountford told North Media.

“I’m putting in a lot of work, so hopefully I can be back out there playing in two or three weeks.”

A tireless worker, Mountford’s eagerness to return was on display during the bye week, with the 21-year-old spending most of his break at the club rehabilitating.

“I sort of snuck away for a few days but mostly stayed around here and did a couple of sessions to try and fast track recovery a little bit,” he said.

Having played twelve AFL matches, all in 2017, Mountford’s desire to return has been heightened by the solid performances of both the AFL and VFL sides.

“It’s been pretty hard watching the boys have a bit of success this season, but even through the harder games I’ve wanted to be out there contributing,” he revealed.  

“I’ll keep building and doing what I have to to get back out there and have an impact when I return.”

The midfielder suffered his first setback of the year in February after injuring his AC joint at training, and his second came in April with a minor ankle complaint.

According to Mountford, his most recent setback earlier this month has proved somewhat of a blessing.

“The positive about my hamstring is that it’s given my shoulder and ankle time to properly heal, so the body’s feeling pretty good at the minute,” he added.