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WESTERN Bulldogs young gun Callan Ward will put half a season of frustration behind him on Friday night when he makes his long-awaited return from a troublesome groin complaint.
The 20-year-old is eagerly anticipating his return to the field after spending three weeks in the VFL recapturing the form and fitness that made him a 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
"It was frustrating to be out for so long and not play and train with the boys," he told afl.com.au this week.
"I just made sure I kept myself busy."
Unprecedented groin soreness during the Bulldogs' NAB Cup Grand Final victory soon turned ugly for Ward when it was revealed he had developed a mild case of osteitis pubis.
Having watched his teammate, fellow 2007 draftee Sam Reid, undergo surgery on his groin after last season, Ward was filled with fear when told of his developing condition.
"It was definitely scary," he recalled. "I didn't want to go down the same path as Sam so I did everything possible rehab-wise for my groin.
"Now at training I don't even feel it. I was told I'd feel it all year and in the last two or three weeks, I haven't felt it at all."
A combination of pilates, core exercises, swimming, biking and boxing kept Ward fit - and busy - during his time away from the game.
He admits he has come away from the experience with a much greater appreciation for pilates after initially dismissing it as unnecessary.
"Before I got drafted, I used to think pilates was useless and didn't really do anything. You just sat there and listened to the instructor," he said.
"Really, it's actually the hardest thing I've ever had to do, switching on all the muscles.
"There's a lot involved in pilates so it's been a good challenge for me and has kept me busy."
Unable to run at all for six weeks, Ward was restricted to static training and pool activities.
A hectic rehabilitation program gave him focus when it came to football, while the commencement of a small business management course at the Kangan Institute in Essendon gave him respite away from it.
Now, as he looks towards his first game for the season, he believes the extra strength training has increased his ability to break tackles with his hips and hopes continuing the practice will eventually add length to his kicks.
He also believes while he might require the occasional break from training, he should be available for each one of the Dogs' remaining nine home-and-away matches plus finals.
"If' I keep doing all those core strengthening exercises, I hope I can stay pain free for the rest of the season."
The 20-year-old is eagerly anticipating his return to the field after spending three weeks in the VFL recapturing the form and fitness that made him a 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
"It was frustrating to be out for so long and not play and train with the boys," he told afl.com.au this week.
"I just made sure I kept myself busy."
Unprecedented groin soreness during the Bulldogs' NAB Cup Grand Final victory soon turned ugly for Ward when it was revealed he had developed a mild case of osteitis pubis.
Having watched his teammate, fellow 2007 draftee Sam Reid, undergo surgery on his groin after last season, Ward was filled with fear when told of his developing condition.
"It was definitely scary," he recalled. "I didn't want to go down the same path as Sam so I did everything possible rehab-wise for my groin.
"Now at training I don't even feel it. I was told I'd feel it all year and in the last two or three weeks, I haven't felt it at all."
A combination of pilates, core exercises, swimming, biking and boxing kept Ward fit - and busy - during his time away from the game.
He admits he has come away from the experience with a much greater appreciation for pilates after initially dismissing it as unnecessary.
"Before I got drafted, I used to think pilates was useless and didn't really do anything. You just sat there and listened to the instructor," he said.
"Really, it's actually the hardest thing I've ever had to do, switching on all the muscles.
"There's a lot involved in pilates so it's been a good challenge for me and has kept me busy."
Unable to run at all for six weeks, Ward was restricted to static training and pool activities.
A hectic rehabilitation program gave him focus when it came to football, while the commencement of a small business management course at the Kangan Institute in Essendon gave him respite away from it.
Now, as he looks towards his first game for the season, he believes the extra strength training has increased his ability to break tackles with his hips and hopes continuing the practice will eventually add length to his kicks.
He also believes while he might require the occasional break from training, he should be available for each one of the Dogs' remaining nine home-and-away matches plus finals.
"If' I keep doing all those core strengthening exercises, I hope I can stay pain free for the rest of the season."
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