Cameron Delaney is targeting a strong return to football next year, with a lingering injury bringing an unfortunate and premature end to his season.

The key defender is set to undergo surgery on his left big toe after pulling up sore from a brief return at VFL level with North Ballarat in June.

Despite running out for just a single game in 2014, he's staying positive.

"The fact that I'm getting something done with the toe is helpful and gives me a bit of piece of mind. I can look forward to having a strong pre-season and come back for next year," Delaney told NMFC.com.au.

"I'm pretty keen to get it right and give myself the best opportunity and the best chance to have a good year next year."

Delaney has played six senior games since being drafted to North in 2010, and he says the frustration of extended periods on the sidelines has only strengthened his desire.

"It's been an up and down year. At a few points I thought I was going to come good, but I got back and played only really half a game and after that, I could barely walk.

"I had the same sort of issue last year when I hurt my foot, so it's been pretty annoying. It's not fun sitting in rehab knowing you've got your team-mates that you love being with out on the track every week kicking the footy and doing the thing you love."

While being off his feet, the 22-year-old has made the most of his time in the Arden Street gym.

"I've tried to work really hard leading into the surgery, a bit of pre-rehab. I've taken it as an opportunity to really work on my upper-body strength and get a bit of size about me," he added.

"It's more about maintaining fitness and strength for me; I've got a bit of it there and I've got to try and keep as much as I can because I'm going to be stuck on the couch for a little bit after the operation."

Delaney has one season remaining on a three-year deal which he signed at the end of 2012.

"I'm just going to have to think positive, get all the rehab right and follow everything to a tee. I've got to give myself the full recovery period and hopefully that changes some of the pain that I've had over the last six months."