Brent Reilly says he’s showing “good signs” five weeks into his recovery from a fractured skull.

Reilly, 31, sustained the serious injury in a collision during a routine drill at training on February, 9. He required surgery to repair the fracture and spent a week in hospital recuperating.

The 203-game veteran has a large scar as a result of the surgery and also suffered irritations to nerves in his face, which is common with this particular type of injury and surgery. The surgeon is confident the damage is only temporary and will heal in time.

Reilly said he was progressing well in his rehabilitation.

“I’ve been doing a lot of rehab with some doctors and a neuropsychologist. I’ve also got a speech therapist that comes around twice a week,” Reilly said on Tuesday.

“I’m showing some good signs. I’m on the mend and I’m just looking forward to getting 100 per cent fit again.”

Reilly has visited the Club a couple of times since leaving hospital.

This included a surprise appearance at a team meeting, where the defender affectionately known as ‘Radar’ received rapturous applause as well as a standing ovation from his teammates.

However, Reilly said his primary focus at this stage was on recovery rather than playing football.

“At the moment, my health and fitness is more important than thinking about football,” he said.

“I’ve been down the Club helping the boys out a bit, but at the same time I have to look after myself. Hopefully, I can get a bit more involved helping ‘Walshy’ (coach Phil Walsh) and Darren Milburn and Jarrod Cotton in the defence.

“I want to help the boys out as much as I can, but at this stage I’m just looking after myself.”

Reilly, his wife Jamie and their families have been overwhelmed by the support they have received.

“There are a lot of people I’d like to thank,” Reilly said.

“My wife, Jamie, has been unbelievable. I knew she was tough, but she’s showed some things over the last month and a bit that I’ve never seen before. (I’d like to thank) my mum, dad and sister, Lauren, for coming over on short notice. It would’ve been a scary time on that flight over (from Melbourne) when they didn’t know what was going on. I appreciate all they’ve done … also Jamie’s parents and sister as well.

“Walshy, ‘Thommo’ (Scott Thompson) and ‘Tex’ (Taylor Walker). Thommo has been unbelievable in helping Jamie out. Tex has been a bit of a lynchpin in telling the boys how I’m going.

“Our player development manager, Emma Bahr, has been excellent not just for me but also for Jamie and my parents. The AFLPA has also been great along with my manager, Peter Lenton. He’s been over a few times to have a chat and see how I’m going.

“My mentor Ray Spencer is almost like a second dad at the moment. He comes over once a week, sees how I’m going and takes me out and about to get me out of the house. I can’t thank those people enough and can’t wait to repay them.

“The AFL and football community as a whole have just been excellent.”