Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg is making the most of opportunities to be involved with the team, as he works his way back to full fitness.

The 23-year-old ruptured his Achilles in the fourth quarter of Adelaide’s Round 24 clash against West Coast last year and has since been working hard with rehab to return to competitive footy.

Although Schoenberg was unable to participate in any competitive matches during Adelaide’s pre-season, he did not miss much of the action, acting as the side’s runner during the internal trial game in Port Lincoln in February.

Speaking on this week’s episode of The Crows Show, Schoenberg said he enjoyed the experience and gained a new appreciation for the role.

“In the trial match I was lucky enough to be the runner for one of the teams, something that I have never done before so it was a bit of a different experience,” Schoenberg said.

“That was when I was just coming back into running and I really enjoyed it.

“(I) got out there and gave a few boys a few sprays (and) a few pump ups.

“It is actually a lot harder than you think, especially at AFL level, I think you only have 45 seconds to be on the field and then you’ve got to get off.”

The Achilles rupture was the first long-term injury Schoenberg had experienced throughout his career and the midfielder said it was an opportunity for him to grow as a person.

“(I’m) tracking really well, it’s getting a bit exciting at the moment,” Schoenberg said.

“(I’m) looking at playing in the next four to five weeks.

“Obviously it has been a bit of a long journey, something that I haven’t really experienced before having a long-term injury.

“It’s definitely made me a better person, a better athlete and I am looking forward to playing some footy this year.”

Schoenberg said it was important to remain connected to his teammates and their support had helped him get through being injured and training away from the group.

“At times in rehab you can get pretty lonely so the main thing for me was always staying connected, always sticking with the boys, if that was dinners, catching up for lunch or what not,” he said.

“Also in the club just as much as I can, being around the team, so team meetings, speaking to the coaches, everything like that as much as I could just to stay involved and have a positive outlook.

“I really enjoyed that and that helped me in a big way in my rehab.”

Also on The Crows Show this week, Brodie Smith talks about his journey to 250 games, while former ruckman Sam Jacobs also joins.

The Crows Show airs on Channel 7 Adelaide on Sunday, March 31 at noon.