Week off helped build belief: Sylvia
Melbourne forward Colin Sylvia says Dean Bailey's decision to keep him on the sidelines for an extra week was responsible for his strong return
Sylvia, who kicked five goals in his comeback match against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday, said he was relieved to be a part of it again.
"It was a long, slow five weeks waiting to get out there and play," Sylvia said. "It was good to contribute on the weekend and have a good win.
"'Bails' (Melbourne coach Dean Bailey) rested me an extra week which I didn't really want, but I got a little bit of confidence out of training last week prior to the game on the weekend.
"I was confident within my jaw that even if I copped a big whack that everything would be fine and everything worked out that way."
Reflecting on the incident with West Coast Eagle Josh Kennedy, which led to his injury, Sylvia said he was surprised it was not taken any further.
The incident was investigated by the match review panel but no action was taken.
"It's a big grey area with the head-high hits, but I've moved on," Sylvia said.
"It was disappointing I missed the first few rounds of the year, but hopefully I can stay for the rest of the year now and have a big part to play towards the end of the year."
With Melbourne now 2-2 after four rounds, Sylvia said finals were a possibility, but the team remains focused on beating the unbeaten Brisbane Lions this weekend.
He is adamant the Lions will be Melbourne's biggest test yet this season.
"They are in good form this year and we'll narrow our focus on how they play, but also focus on our plan," he said.
"We've got a lot of improving to do and a long way to go, so it's going to be a true test against Brisbane on Saturday night."
Meanwhile, Sylvia said he can see 2008 No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick Jack Watts, who played three matches last year, returning to the AFL in the next few weeks.
"Jack's starting to find some pretty good form. He's had a lot of trouble with his body and getting things right," he said.
"We've all got faith in Jack and he's a developing player and he needs a little bit of time, so hopefully he can come on and string a few games together this year and catch up to the Tom Scullys and Jack Trengoves."