His resilience has been tested, but Kyle Cheney says a positive attitude has been crucial in helping him overcome an injury-interrupted start to the year.
Cheney was a key part of Adelaide’s 2016 campaign. The reliable defender played every game of the season - including both finals – but finished the year with a groin injury.
He worked his way back to play in the Club’s first pre-season SANFL trial, but was cruelly struck down by a hamstring injury which forced him back onto the sidelines.
Speaking on The Crows Show, Cheney said he never let his individual setbacks define his attitude during rehabilitation.
“Part of my strength and personality is my ability to move on and still have fun at the Club,” Cheney said.
“I think that’s important, as if you get too down on yourself, you start to cut corners and you don’t do everything properly… you start to probably extend your time out of the game. I think being upbeat and happy around the Club is crucial.”
Adelaide’s promising start to the AFL season has made Cheney even hungrier to earn his way back into the senior side.
“Watching the boys sing the song - although that does bring enjoyment - you start to miss that,” he said.
“You miss the times in the change rooms and the laughing and joking you get after a game and after a good win.”
The 27-year-old has been cleared to return in Saturday’s SANFL clash with West Adelaide at Richmond Oval.
Cheney led the Crows for disposal efficiency (83 per cent) in 2016, and will bring a wealth of experience to Adelaide’s young SANFL backline.
“Just to be able to go in there, crash into some bodies and feel the pressure of a game - it’s something that I’ve really missed and something that I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
