You just can’t keep a good man down.
Felix Packer is proof of that.
The 20-year-old has spent two years on the sidelines after multiple knee reconstructions, and as any athlete can attest, rehab is a lonely place.
Doubt, frustration and even anger can creep into the steeliest of resolves when the calendar tells you months on a stationary bike await before you can even think about running.
Throw in a heavy study load for a Law and Commerce double degree and the outlet that footy provides must surely have been missed.
And Felix went through that twice after his first comeback attempt ended in a freak accident in the last trial game ahead of last season.
Somehow, as he tore himself free from a contest inside the square goal and attempted to snap a goal, he shattered his leg against the post.
Yet the South Australian might be the most positive bloke you’ve ever met.
Ahead of his return to action for the Bull Sharks on Saturday the only emotions he’s feeling are excitement and gratitude for the all the help the footy club has provided on his long journey back.
“I’m excited for it most of all,” he said.
“I was a bit nervous in the beginning, but the rehab has gone really well so far, better than the first time.
“The first-year rehab went well but then in the last preseason match I somehow got my leg wrapped around the goal post, which wasn’t ideal.
“But yeah, I’m feeling really excited and the team, the physios and coaching staff are awesome, they have been really supportive and encouraging.
“There has been zero pressure from anyone to come back and there was a bit of time where I was questioning whether it was worth giving it a third try and they really helped me through that.”
Bond’s Director of AFL Andy Lovell said Packer’s attitude towards the club came as no surprise, but stressed it was his coaches and teammates who should be feeling grateful.
“I think this is just a great story for Felix and I know everybody at the club is thrilled for him,” he said.
“To fight back from two serious knee injuries shows an incredible level of resilience, and he is clearly a very smart kid with a bright future in front of him in his professional life and I think everyone understands the temptation must have been there to give the game away.
“But I think he genuinely loves the game and our club, and he’s put in this mountain of work to get back out there and in doing so he’s not just given himself every chance of having a great season, he’s also made a profound impact on his teammates.
“He may not realise this, but when players see a guy with more excuses than most to get a bit grumbly instead turn up with the best attitude and lead the way week-in and week-out at training, it just drags everyone along with him.’’
Lovell admits there’s another upside to the return of the athletic 196cm key forward.
“I think there’s a lot of anticipation from all of us,” he said.
“It is like having a new recruit at the club and the excitement has been building all summer as we’ve watched him at training.
“Judging by what we’ve seen on the track we’ve got a very good footballer on our hands and we can’t wait to see what he can do.”