An injury interrupted year hasn’t stopped North Melbourne investing in Taylor Garner, with the club re-signing the exciting youngster to a new two-year deal.
The 20-year-old injured his hamstring in the pre-season competition and has battled to recover due to a few small setbacks and another slight strain in the opposite leg.
“It’s been a really frustrating year for me and I’m definitely sick of the inside of the gym and all the rehab,” he told NMFC.com.au.
“All I want to be doing is playing football with the boys, but I have to get my fitness right first. It’s a slow process and it’s been pretty annoying to be honest.”
Taken with North’s first pick (15) in the 2012 Draft, Garner debuted last season and has two career games under his belt.
“I saw this year as the chance for me to play more games obviously, but the injury has set me back a fair way. For the club to commit to me for another two years is great and gives me some confidence.”
At the midway point of the season, Garner hasn’t given up hope of playing more AFL this year.
“I just have to focus on getting back into the VFL with North Ballarat and making an impact. I’ll just try and contribute and play my role as best as I can.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and all going well, it should only be a few more weeks on the sidelines.”
If there’s been one blessing , Garner says it’s being able to build his strength in the gym and concentrate on all the little things.
“I’m not the biggest of blokes, so if this time helps with my overall development and puts me in a good position down the track with regards to my strength and power out on the field, then I’ll look back and say getting injured was actually a good thing.
“It’s going to be up to me to make sure that’s the case.”
