After over a year on the sidelines, you can understand why Flynn Perez is busting to get back out and play footy.

The 18-year-old is edging closer to a return from a knee injury, but in the meantime, making the most of his time at Arden Street.

“The S & C (strength and conditioning) guys have been awesome. It’s a bit frustrating they’ve been holding me back a bit with my knee, but I’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym getting stronger and starting to train now,” Perez explained.

The youngster has added noticeable size to his frame since joining the club via last year’s Draft, and is putting himself in the best position to complete against the bigger bodies at AFL level.

“I’m in the gym a little bit more, so can really smash myself in there,” Perez explained.

“I can put a bit more time and effort into there, and just work as hard as I can, then the results hopefully show.”

Patience is the key for the versatile defender/midfielder, as he starts to join in more training. 

“It’s been about 14 months since I’ve played, so I’m just trying to get involved as much as I can and get stuck into a few drills here and there,” Perez added.

“It’s been a long time, but I’ve just got to continue to be patient, and when my time comes I’ll be ready.”

Perez doesn’t have an exact timeline on his return date, but is hopefully of being back between Rounds 8 and 10. 

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