Stawell's Ben Taylor will return to full training for Northern Territory Thunder after injury and illness sidelined the former Swifts player.
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Taylor injured his ankle while playing for St Mary's at the end of January during the 2018-19 season - working through rehab with the clubs.
Whilst enduring rehab for his ankle Taylor then discovered an infection under his arm at the start of March.
"It's been a pretty rough couple of months," he said.
"I had surgery on March 15 to fix it up and now working through getting my conditioning back."
Taylor attended a pre-season training camp on the weekend which focused on team bonding, goal setting, going through game plans and setting team values.
"We also played an intra-club match but the injured blokes like myself just did some modified training or just watch the other guys play," he said.
"My wound hasn't 100 per cent healed yet - it looks like I will miss out selection opportunity for round one but will continue training.
"I haven't got in much conditioning since injuring my ankle and being in hospital, so this week coming I'll still be doing modified training.
"I will also continue my ankle rehab program which is just based around bodyweight exercises to improve balance and get some strength back."
Taylor had a stellar season with St Marys despite his injuries late in the season.
"There is some really great talent in the team," he said.
"I managed to still poll third in their best and fairest count for the season. I was pretty proud that I managed to step into the club and deliver the results they expected from me."
NT Thunder season commences on Saturday, April 6 against Brisbane Lions in Darwin.
Taylor is working hard off the oval to ensure he is in top condition to be in the running for selection for round two.
"In round two we play Sydney Uni in Sydney and I will be working my hardest to sure I am right to be picked," he said.
"My coach has spoken to me and said if I can put in a full week of training I will be put up for selection."
A return during the season to the Swifts isn't looking likely for the midfielder at the early stages of the season.
"While I am still training, playing and with the opportunity to be picked for the squad I will be putting all my efforts into NT Thunder," he said.
"We do have some bye rounds which I could look at to see if there is an opportunity for me to come back and play a round of football."
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