Adelaide defender Andrew McPherson says he is progressing well in recovery from knee surgery and is eyeing a return to main training sessions as early as next week.
McPherson's 2022 campaign came to an end in July after he injured his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the 23-year-old underwent an arthroscopy in late November last year.
Speaking to AFC Media, McPherson said he no longer felt pain in his knee and, after a gruelling three months of rehabbing on the sidelines, he could "finally see the light at the end of the tunnel".
“It has been a bit of a slow burn but I’m starting to stack sessions together which is nice and starting to feel like I am getting a little bit closer,” McPherson said.
“I have still been by myself in rehab for the time being, but I think next week is when I will start integrating into some of the footy drills with the boys.
“Up until this point it has been a bit of a grind but I am enjoying it and getting every bit out of it so I will be ready to go.”
Before injuring his knee last season, McPherson had put together a solid run of games in the SANFL, which included notching 30 disposals, eight marks and seven inside 50s against South Adelaide in Round 12.
While working his way back away from the main group has been difficult at times, the defender has remained focused on the process of returning to full fitness.
“It is obviously always a bit flattening when you can’t enjoy and take part in a couple of those gruelling sessions with the boys over preseason,” McPherson said.
“It has been a bit bittersweet that we have had a really healthy list so a lot of the time I have been doing drills with the physios or by myself.
“It is just one of those things where you’ve got to build a bit of a base over on the sidelines and know it will hold you in good stead.”
Having spent time on the sidelines in the past following an injury-interrupted start to his AFL career, McPherson has learnt to remain positive throughout the process, which has been made easier with his teammates' support.
“I have been a little unfortunate to spend a little time in rehab but the group has been amazing and made me feel still very much a part of the group even though I have sort of been out of sight a little bit and doing my own thing at times,” McPherson said.
“I think one thing about injuries is that it definitely helps you build resilience.
“I have learnt and it has just been reinforced from previous injuries but it gives you bit of perspective about coming in everyday and being able to do something you love when it gets taken away from you to an extent.
“You really learnt to appreciate it and makes you really want to make the most of your opportunities when you get them.”
Eager to be fully fit and able to train at 100 percent soon, McPherson said he could not wait to “be a part of it” again after his long layoff.
“It will just be amazing to put on the jumper and have a run around again,” he said.
“I can wait to just be back with the boys, enjoying training and games and have that feeling of accomplishing something as a group.
“We are playing it by ear a little bit but I will try to get back as close to the start of the season as I can, so hopefully I don’t miss too much footy.”
