He's gone through the bitter and sombre phases, now injured Greater Western Sydney defender Matt Buntine is determined to justify the AFL club's faith in him.
Buntine on Tuesday signed a two-year contract extension tying him to GWS until the conclusion of the 2019 campaign.
It was a strong show of faith in the 23-year old backman as he won't play again this season.
He suffered a knee injury at training after round two and scans revealed a pre-existing partially torn anterior cruciate ligament that required a full knee reconstruction.
"I was a bit bitter and sombre early days," Buntine told AAP.
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"But I have to accept it and really fight through and attack my rehab now, and look to be in good nick by this time next year."
Such a significant injury might normally cause anxiety for a player about to come off contract but the club made sure Buntine didn't fret over his future.
"My mind was more around just getting what I needed to do with the knee done, and out of the blue the Giants were very proactive in arranging for me to re-sign," Buntine said.
"It was great for them to eliminate any drifting until later in the year.
"I'm sure I would have potentially been stressed, but I think the way in which it's been done has not allowed me to stress out. It was a tremendous show of faith."
Buntine has played 41 senior games, the lowest tally of any of the Giants foundation players still at the club.
That modest sum owes more to frequent injury issues than form lapses.
Buntine has had a number of concussion problems and his courage has earned plaudits from Giants' coach Leon Cameron, who last year said he was too brave for his own good .
Buntine insists he does have some regard for his own health
"I dont go out there to put my body at increased risk or anything like that," he said.
"I just play as hard as I can and do whatever I can for the team."
