After the disappointment of missing his first season of football, the 20-year-old returned to the training track at Aegis Park for the first time on Monday, running under the watchful eye of club physiotherapist David Dawes.
“You don’t really know how it should be feeling but the physios are really happy with how it’s progressing and I’m feeling pretty confident with it all. Today was the first time running over ground which is exciting,” Wood told NMFC.com.au.
“The plan was to be running after three months, which is this week, so it’s all going to plan which is good.”
Often players in rehab seek guidance from the most senior players within their club, however Wood says he learnt the most from younger team-mates going through the same challenges.
“I did a lot of work with Cam Delaney because he was injured at the same time. He’s a really good swimmer so that made me really push myself to keep up with him,” Wood said.
“Tommy (Curran) has been through it more than anyone in the last couple of years and he always told me to keep my head up.”
The wisdom from Andrew Swallow, after his devastating achilles injury, gave Wood added inspiration throughout the physically and mentally exhausting time.
“Andrew encouraged me to stay positive and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. Compared to my injury, his is so much more serious but to see how he’s handled it, that he’s so positive, is a real benefit to me to have his support all the time.”
Countless hours in the gym have seen Wood increase in size, however he admits there is still a long way to go.
“I was in the gym with Maj (Majak Daw) yesterday and he was doing sets at 120kg so I wasn’t feeling that strong with him but definitely stronger than I have in the past.
“I started doing leg weights two weeks ago and as anyone would know who’s had a leg injury, you lose muscle bulk really quickly so it’s good to see some of that come back.”
With his second trip to Utah just one month away, Wood is looking forward to the opportunity of pushing his body to the limit in preparation for where he wants to head in 2014.
“The plan was to be running fully by Utah so hopefully things keep going to plan. I’m probably a little less fit than I was this time last year. I’ll be doing a lot of swimming and that kind of stuff but I’ll still be flat out.
“If they have to hold me back from a few things then that’s fine, you’ve just got to let the knee do its thing.”
Wood has high hopes but understands his goals present a tough task with the likes of Aaron Black playing the position he has his eye on.
“I’m definitely aiming to be playing games at senior level next year but for now, I’m just working hard to play NAB Cup and see how we go from there.
“Hopefully I can mix my time between the wing and forward.”
