Defender Brent Reilly has upped the ante in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Reilly, 29, dislocated his shoulder in the opening minute of Adelaide’s win over the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in Round 14. The 2012 All-Australian nominee had surgery to repair the damage, which will keep him out of competitive training for six months.

“I had a shoulder reconstruction. I also tore a ligament that goes across the front of the shoulder off the bone, so I had to get that anchored back to the Humerus bone,” Reilly told afc.com.au.

“It was quite a painful experience and I got a bit frustrated at times. I had to sleep on the couch for two weeks after my surgery because I couldn’t lie down in bed. I got a bit frustrated at times. (Fiancée) Jamie doing everything around the house, cooking, cleaning and washing my clothes.

“It was good to spend a bit of time with Jamie, but it’s good to be back at the Club and doing some fitness work to lose a bit of the fat I put on when I was inactive for a month.”

Less than a week after Taylor Walker ran for the first time in his rehabilitation, Reilly has also started running.

“Running was a nice step for me,” Reilly said.

“I’ve been on the bike and the elliptical machine a fair bit. I’ve done a lot of rehab exercises and getting massage through the area, which isn’t pleasant, but it’s important we get it right so I can start getting full range in my shoulder again.”

During his stint on the sidelines, Reilly has taken a couple of his young teammates under his wing. He’s also spent time in the coaches’ box on match day.

“It was quite intense in the coaches’ box. I walked out feeling stuffed because you’re always watching and involved in the game,” Reilly said.

“I’ve been doing a bit of work with Ricky Henderson. Unfortunately, he’s injured now as well but he’s come along in leaps and bounds. I’m also doing a fair bit of work with Cam Ellis-Yolmen when he plays for the Eagles and I’ve quite enjoyed that.”

The young Adelaide defenders have developed so rapidly Reilly admits it will be tight for spots next season.

“It’s good to see Rory Laird, Luke Brown and Brodie Smith get an opportunity down there. Kyle Hartigan also got a chance on the weekend and did a fairly good job,” Reilly said.

“I’ve got to work hard over the pre-season to get my spot back, but it’s good for the Club that these guys have played some minutes.”

Being injured has also allowed Reilly to be more involved in planning his upcoming wedding. Reilly and long-time partner Jamie will be married in Adelaide next month. The pair will then head to Dubai and the Maldives for their honeymoon.

“We’ve worked out a leave schedule, so I’ll train throughout September and have October off and put the feet up. I’m looking forward to that.”