St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman admits his return from chronic hamstring problems was never going to be a simple process, but he’s hopeful his injury misfortune will swing in his favour soon.
The 20-year-old former top-10 draft pick was acquired by the Saints during last October’s trade period after two injury plagued seasons at Collingwood.
Since landing at Linen House Centre, Freeman has suffered a couple of minor setbacks with his hamstring, but is set to return to action this weekend with Sandringham’s development team.
“It wasn’t going to be smooth sailing from the get-go and there wasn’t going to be a cure-all,” Freeman told AFL Media.
“We knew there was going to be bumps in the road and obstacles to overcome. I suppose this is just another bump.
“I’m getting a lot stronger and a lot fitter by the day, hopefully it will turn quickly.”
Prior to his most recent setback in mid-April, Freeman excelled for the Zebras’ reserves, collecting 46 possessions in under three quarters of game time.
But whilst an AFL debut isn’t realistically in sight just yet, the Sandringham Dragons product says it is still his aim this year, something he is preparing for, both physically and mentally.
“Well, that’s obviously the aim (to debut this season),” Freeman said.
“At the moment I’m ticking all the boxes and getting myself prepared, physically and mentally, to get back and play at the highest level possible.
“I’m getting fitter by the day, so when my time comes to play I’ll be ready physically.”
Although his injury is a less conventional long-term injury, in comparison to a knee reconstruction or broken leg, the psychological wear and tear of so much time on the sidelines is something Freeman admits has been tough.
“It is tough, it is as much mental as it is physical a long-term injury. But I suppose I’m lucky to be at an AFL club,” Freeman said.
“I’m still so young and I’ve got a lot of years in front of me to play football.”
