THE COMEBACK of Tim Smith from a navicular foot injury has been nothing short of outstanding, says rehabilitation coordinator Daniel Cross.

Smith, who made his AFL debut last year and played two games, also endured a tough year, when he missed four games with injured ribs and the last 11 rounds of the season with his foot problem.

But, Cross, the former Bulldog and Demon star, said the rookie-list forward had been inspiring in the way he had worked his way back from injury.  

“One that’s really stood out to me is Timmy Smith – he’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s just starting to integrate back into the main group now,” Cross told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s starting to get more and more loads through the main sessions now, and we’re building him right up.

“He had his foot injury last year and everything we’ve asked of him, he’s chewed it right up and asked for more. We’ve had to have the leash on him a bit.

“You hate to single out guys because a lot of them have done fantastic work, and I’ve been impressed by them all, but he’s been one that stands out from the start.”

Cross, who was an absolute role model as a player, remains as fit as a fiddle today. But even the soon-to-be 35-year-old said his widely renowned fitness base was now being passed by today’s players.

“A lot of them have gone past me now,” he said with a laugh.

“But I love my job and I love working here at the footy club.

“It’s a great bunch of players and staff as well. They’re fantastic to work with and I’m working in a field that I’ve always had a passion for in the fitness side of footy.

“Our rehab group is diminishing as we go along this pre-season, which is good for the footy club. Hopefully, we can get more and more out towards the start of the season and start the season flying.”