It’s been a year to forget for Oscar Junker, but the 19-year-old finally has something to smile about after signing a new one-year deal to stay on at Arden Street following an injury ravaged first season.

“You do feel a bit isolated when you’re out injured, because you’re in rehab and away from the main group, but the boys have been really supportive in the good times and the bad. Unfortunately, I’ve had more bad than good so far,” Junker told NMFC.com.au.

Junker said he was grateful to the club for giving him some early reassurance and security.

“I was a bit worried earlier on about where I was at, but I got a message from my manager saying he’d spoken to the club and they were keen to do the deal nice and early to make sure I didn’t feel like I was being left in the dark. It was a really great gesture by North to do that,” Junker added.

“I’m super happy that the club has the faith in me to continue my career here. It’s been awesome here.”

Selected with pick 28 in the 2016 Rookie Draft, the lightly-built swingman has been sidelined for the past five months after breaking his tibia in a pre-season practice match against Werribee in early February.

It was initially thought the 19-year-old had injured his ankle, but scans revealed a leg fracture.

“Unfortunately we haven’t seen a lot of Oscar because of his injury, but from what we have seen and know of him, we didn’t hesitate in offering him a new one-year deal as a rookie,” GM of football Cameron Joyce said.

The 193cm midfielder co-captained the Western Jets in last year's TAC Cup and is working towards a return to football in the final few games of the season.

“I’m going well now. Another three or four weeks and I should be close to playing,” Junker said. 

As to what position he wants to play – that’s still up in the air.

“I don’t really know to be honest … probably forward at the moment,” Junker added, laughing.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning the forward craft work recently and hopefully down the track I can play as a third-tall type like Mason Wood and move into the midfield as I get fitter.”