PATIENCE has become an important part of Angus Brayshaw’s make-up, after being given a month off from the game to overcome concussion issues.

Brayshaw, who missed just one match last year, when he was rested in the second last round of the season, has played just three games so far in 2016.

A knee injury, sustained just moments in the first NAB Challenge match, combined with a couple of separate concussion incidents, has seen the talented youngster miss several matches.

And after his most recent concussion, two weeks ago, the club confirmed Brayshaw would be rested for a month.

The midfielder said it had been a difficult year, particularly after his outstanding debut season, which saw him finish fifth in the 2015 NAB AFL Rising Star to overall winner and teammate Jesse Hogan.

“It’s hard because everyone looks back at last year and it couldn’t have gone any better for me – in terms of my body, it was just fine all of the time and I was just feeling  good and I was playing good footy,” he told Melbourne TV.

“Now, having a few hiccups, and everyone has a few hiccups, it’s been a bit harder for me, because I just want every year to go like the first year and I’ve had a few hurdles to overcome.

“It’s not ideal, but I’ve learned a lot of other things during this time – not being able to play.

“I’ve been able to do a lot of learning of the game and watching more vision with coaches and watching games with coaches just to get their perspective. I’ve taken care of my body a lot because ideally I’ll play for another 10 years – not another 10 games.

“If I kept playing with a concussion, then you never know what consequences that could have, so it’s been frustrating. But you’ve got to stay positive, which I think I have and get something out of it, which is good.”