Brett Deledio says he endured some dark days and feared he wouldn't play an AFL match this season.
But now the former Richmond star will play his first senior match for Greater Western Sydney on Saturday against Melbourne in Canberra after suffering recurring calf issues.
'When I was coming back and joining the group for a short warmup and then did my running and hurt my calf again, thoughts certainly did go through my head. that I was better off just to cool my heel for the rest of the year and get it right," Deledio said on Wednesday.
"A lot of needling and sand work and just firing up my glutes and it's been working really well for me so fingers crossed it stays that way and onwards and upwards."
Deledio hasn't played since round 17 last year and said he suffered a lot of of setbacks, including "a little nick in both calves something like eight or nine times."
"'When they are little ones you probably try and get the ball rolling a little bit too quickly and hence you have another setback." he said.
"I'm feeling fresh and I'll just try and provide as much energy as I can and keep the boys going and on track." Deledio said.
With Jeremy Cameron injured and Toby Greene suspended, Deleido will spend time up forward in addition to the midfield.
"I think people look at the skill side of it with Brett, but he's a very good one-on-one player," GWS coach Leon Cameron said.
"Melbourne are a very good contested team, they defend really well, put enormous pressure on you, so we feel as though his ability to win one-on-ones is going to be crucial."
Cameron expects veteran forward Steve Johnson to put his hand up after missing last week with knee soreness.
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