When Taylor Garner limped from the field with a hamstring injury in North’s NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in 2014, he never anticipated spending the next year on the sidelines.

After what he described as ‘a year to forget’, the 21-year-old is finally ready to make his long awaited return to football with North Ballarat on the weekend.

"He’s persisted with his training and rehab despite set-back after set-back and it’s a credit to him for maintaining his professionalism and determination throughout what has been an incredibly frustrating time," forward-line coach Shane Watson told NMFC.com.au.

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Watson acknowledged Garner’s circumstances were unique and despite an incredible amount of strength work and intense treatment with North’s medical team, he wasn’t able to get his body right which prompted an ultra-cautious approach.

"Because he had ongoing issues with his hamstrings and hips, it would have been tough having his various return dates change and fluctuate I’d imagine.

"Now he’s come out the other side and we couldn’t be happier for him. He now has the challenge of playing good consistent footy in the VFL and pushing for a return to the senior side in the second half of the year."

After endless hours of rehabilitation in the gym on both hamstrings and hips (the latter operated on in the off-season) Garner will need to pass one more fitness test if he’s to take his place on the field in the VFL on Saturday.

"We’ll watch him closely during main skills on Thursday and barring any mishap, we anticipate he’ll be passed fit to play which is great news for him and the football club," Director of Football Geoff Walsh said.

The number 27 has managed just two games since being selected with pick 15 in the 2012 AFL Draft and is champing at the bit to take his place in the Roosters’ side. He debuted in Round 20 of 2013 against Adelaide and played his last game for the Roos in Round 23 against Collingwood.