Take Luke Tapscott, for example.
For three months, the tough utility had to bide his time as he overcame a hip operation in the lead-up to the 2012 season.
“I didn’t really do a lot of pre-season. I had to wait until after Christmas, following hip surgery,” Tapscott told melbournefc.com.au.
It wasn’t the first time the 20 year-old had to overcome this hurdle, but it was another challenge in his emerging career.
The South Australian had hip surgery in January 2010, after being selected at No.18 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.
But “this one was worse than the first [hip injury], because it happened over time” according to Tapscott.
“It was more of an incident than wear and tear this time. I had torn cartilage in my hip and in the surface,” the 16-gamer said.
“I knew I had it at round 17 [last year], so I just played the last few weeks with it. It was just a management thing.
“I knew that at the end of last year I’d have surgery, so I managed the training loads of the last few weeks of last year, and then I went in and had the operation done.”
Tapscott has now had surgery on both hips. His latest operation required the removal of worn cartilage, which was then stitched back together.
“That’s why it takes so long to heal, because they take a bit of bone out as well, so it gives your hip a bit more movement,” Tapscott added.
“That’s why you’re not allowed to be on your legs for eight weeks straight after.”
Tapscott had surgery on September 8 last year and the rehabilitation started from there, as he explained.
“I was allowed to walk after two weeks, but no excessive walking. I had to be on crutches,” he said.
“I was on crutches for four to five weeks, and then at eight weeks I was able to start jogging.
“I had a bit of a job at 10 weeks and was able to start training at 14 weeks, so it’s a good three month injury.”
Although Tapscott said it was frustrating having another hip operation, he said dealt with it better the second time around.
“I knew what to expect after the first one,” he said.
“The physios, docs and surgeons told me to really take the time to do nothing, and let it heal before I got back into it.”
But after playing in Casey’s opening three matches of the season, Tapscott returned for Melbourne in round four - a fine effort, given his interrupted pre-season.
“I had a good week and trained well, and I found out on Thursday that I’d get a run, so it was pretty exciting and nerve-racking getting back out on the ‘G. But it was a great feeling to get back out there,” he said.
“I pulled up sore, but felt really good throughout the game, until I had cramp in the last quarter. There was a bit of fatigue, but hopefully I’ll be ready to go again this weekend.
“Now it’s about trying to run out with that intensity for four quarters.”
Tapscott, who impressed down back last season, was originally drafted as a midfielder/forward. This year he has trained with the midfield group and spent some time with the forwards.
But it is his versatility that will prove beneficial to Melbourne in the long run, even if he has a preference for the engine room.
“I’d love to play in the midfield, but I’m happy wherever,” he said.
“I just want to play as many games as I can, and improve each week.
“With a new coach, you want to get out there and impress.”
Despite being part of a disappointing Melbourne result - a 59-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last round - Tapscott said the Demons found some key points from the game.
“We focused in on more of the positive side of the game, and our structure and game plan,” he said.
“We were really happy with the other three quarters we had.”
But Tapscott said Melbourne was confident it could produce its first win of the season against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday - a match that will honour the late, great Jim Stynes.
“There is great belief that we’re going to get our first win on the board,” he said.
“It’ll be a big thing for Neeldy (Mark Neeld) and the playing group to get some confidence back, and give the supporters back what they’re trying to give to us.
“It’s as huge game, and we want to respect him and give back what he gave to the footy club. It will be a huge game, and the excitement will build as the week goes on.”
