For second-year Crow Zac Taylor, 2023 has become a defining season in his football journey. 

Although the past four months have not gone the way he initially hoped, the learnings that have come out of it will, by his own admission, put him in great shape for the future. 

After an impressive debut season in the SANFL last year, Taylor entered the new campaign determined to continue on his upwards trajectory and push for AFL selection.

But in Adelaide’s Round Four SANFL clash against South Adelaide, the 20-year-old’s season was suddenly flipped on its head when his foot was awkwardly caught under a tackle, rupturing his Lisfranc ligament.

It meant Taylor had to undergo his first major surgery and begin a long-term rehabilitation program.

Speaking to AFC Media, Taylor recalled his emotions after he was told he would be missing a large portion of footy. 

“Not being able to play on a week-to-week basis is what hurt me the most when I first did it,” Taylor said.

“It was pretty devastating at the time knowing I was set for a fair stint on the sidelines, it was the first time I’ve ever had to go through surgery which was daunting.

“There is a bit of an unknown around whether you’ll come back the same player as you were before, so a bit of doubt certainly creeps in as you start the rehab process.” 

Beginning the rehabilitation process, Taylor had no idea what to expect, with Adelaide’s small injury list meaning he was forced to complete a lot of his work on his own.

“Physically I’ve been really good, the program they’ve laid out for me has been very encouraging and I’ve had no problems with it,” Taylor said.

“As a result I’m in a really good space mentally with how my body is progressing and I’ve got real confidence that I will come out of rehab in great shape.

“The mental aspect of being away from the group and just grinding out gym sessions four or five times a week was probably the hardest part of it.

“There are times where it does get lonely training by yourself and it's tough, but the positive of that is the program I’ve been completing has been tailored just to me and I’ve seen some great results.” 

As a result of completing his personalised rehabilitation program, Taylor said he has gone to another level with his strength and conditioning and admitted the injury had been a “blessing in disguise.”

“I’ve grown a lot throughout this period, especially physically,” Taylor said. 

“I’ve hit a few PB’s in the gym, which gives me confidence that when I come back I’ll be stronger and fitter. 

“It’s almost like this rehab period has been a blessing in disguise for me as I’ve had a chance to work on other things that will make me better moving forward.” 

Now, after more than two months of hard work, Taylor is eyeing a return to competitive football through the SANFL and is hoping to be fit enough for the last month of theState League season.

Adelaide’s SANFL side sits third on the ladder and Taylor said the thought of returning for a finals campaign had served as a major motivator throughout his time on the sidelines.

“What’s got me through those tough weeks in rehab is knowing I might be able to get back for a few games at the end of the season and have an impact at the pointy end of the year,” Taylor said.

“Being able to play three or four games, it will be a great reward for the work I’ve done and be a good chance to build a platform leading into hopefully playing some AFL footy next year.

“The boys in the SANFL are also playing great footy and are in a position to play finals, so having the opportunity to potentially contribute at finals time has been a great motivator.”