Sydney Swans premiership defender Alex Johnson, according to Peter Ryan of AFL.com.au, is on the verge of making his long-awaited comeback from five knee reconstructions.
While he hasn't played a game since 2014, AFL.com.au's Peter Ryan believes the Swans are considering selecting him ahead of their NEAFL clash against Canberra on Saturday.
While nothing is certain, the prospect of Alex returning to senior football, albeit through the NEAFL is not only tantalising, but mouth watering.
Due care has to be applied without any hesitation, and certainly expectations need to be curbed, with a heavy handed "no rush" approach applied.
But while the AFL.com.au believe that he's ready for selection, the Swans are undoubtedly cautious about playing him, and will need to ensure that he's not only fit enough, but strong enough to do it.
Given there's still Thursday and Friday training before the NEAFL game, any doubt and his return will be delayed, with his return more likely to happen against the Suns next week.
The defender has been remarkably resilient throughout his career, undergoing five reconstructions and 10 surgeries, yet persisted and kept returning through rehab and training despite the setbacks.
It's a testament to the young mans desire to succeed and take everything that's been thrown his way in his stride.
While Daniel Menzel returned after four reconstructions, Alex Johnson will be the first player to return after five.
Given how important Menzel is in Geelong's team, and how well he's played since the start of last season, there's always the possibility that Johnson could return to his former level, just like Malceski did after his knee operations.
Like what you’re getting? Want more Swans Blog, and the chance to have your input into our site and what we create? We have additional content weekly on our Patreon Service. This is your avenue, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and get more content like this.
If you'd like to support us, you can head over to our Red Bubble Swans Blog Shop, and purchase one of our hideously overpriced mugs, stickers or notebooks. Help keep The Swans Blog alive.
Since you're here...
... we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading The Swans Blog than ever, but we don't accept advertising, and don't want to do so in the future. Unlike many other news and media organisations, fan forums and fan media, we haven't put up a paywall, or displayed ads - we want to keep our content as open as possible.
The Swans Blog is an independent fan blog and community platform. Our content takes a lot of time and hard work to produce. We do it because we love what we do and we believe our perspective matters - because it may be your perspective too.
If everyone who reads our blog, who likes it, is supporting it, our future would be much more secure.
Want instant access to the latest blog and news content from The Swans Blog?
Download our Android App from Google Play today.