For Adelaide midfielder Teah Charlton, notching her 50th game this weekend is a privilege she doesn't take lightly, especially given the road she's been on the past five months.
Charlton, who will reach the milestone in the Crows' game against Essendon this Sunday, found herself on the sidelines during pre-season and for Adelaide's first two games, due to a foot injury sustained in the off-season.
It was the first time in her AFLW career that she had been hampered by an injury that not only required surgery, but also as a significant time without running.
“I haven’t had an injury as significant as that one so this has probably been the toughest one," Charlton told AFC Media.
“It was really hard mentally, especially the first few weeks as I’m a very active person.
“To go from always being on my feet to not being able to move without crutches was really hard.
“I’m very excited to play my 50th game, I feel like it's come around very quickly... I am very privileged to be playing 50 games for the Club."
Charlton was Adelaide's first pick at the 2020 AFLW Draft and made her debut in Round One, 2021.
The now 22-year-old also featured in Adelaide's historic Grand Final win in Season Six, 2022.
This year, however, she has only played one game, with last weekend's win against Hawthorn being her return since injuring her foot.
“Getting over the nerves (last week) was pretty hard for me because I can get quite anxious before the game especially when it means a lot," Charlton said.
“I just made sure to go through my routine, got my massage, did all my skill activations, just things like that.
“I think it was definitely a big relief (when the game was over), it just meant that I could play out a game and hopefully we will just keep building from there.”
The Crows enter this weekend's game with three consecutive wins and Charlton says playing in front of a home crowd always gives the side a boost.
“Obviously we want to be winning as many games as possible but to get a win in the 50th would be amazing," Charlton said.
"(We) always love playing in front of a home crowd, it definitely puts a bit of a pep in your step when you've got the fans around you and we all want to perform for our fans.
“I think our main focus lately has been our pressure as it is every year, so hopefully we can bring that against the Bombers."
The game will also mark teammate Rachelle Martin's 50th milestone.
Adelaide hosts Essendon at Unley Oval on Sunday at 12.35pm.
Tickets available here.
For information on what’s on at the W, click here.