GRIFFIN Logue missed a season of on-field education last year, but that didn't stop the Fremantle defender learning more ways to combat the AFL's best forwards.
Logue, whose sporting background includes rowing and basketball, spent his time in foot rehabilitation wisely, learning from teammate Alex Pearce's weekly game reviews.
"We'd sit in and watch his vision of the tape and I'd make a few notes when I was watching his games and my own, and then come and compare whatever our backs coach had to go through with him," Logue said from the Dockers' community camp in Geraldton.
"Watching the game you learn different things and can pick up on a lot more of the reviews, and you sit in on different guys' reviews and review their games as opposed to looking at yourself.
"I think I have learned a bit as to how the game is played, but it kind of changes each year so it's a bit hard to keep up to date with."
Now over the congenital foot issue that kept him out of Freo's line-up in 2018 and forced him into surgery, Logue is setting his sights on breaking back into the side as a third tall backman alongside Pearce and Joel Hamling.
The 20-year-old, who played 13 games in his debut season, learned from Pearce's impressive comeback campaign last year, but also leaned on the key defender for advice about dealing with a long-term injury.
Pearce missed almost two years due to complications with the leg he broke in round nine, 2016 against Richmond, and helped Logue handle being stuck on the sidelines.
"I'm flying at the moment. The body feels really good. Obviously (it was) a bit of a frustrating year last year, but that's what you sign up for, that's what happens," Logue said.
"It was the first long-term injury that I had. It was one of those ones where you check in week by week, so I couldn't really switch off and relax.
"I know there's blokes a lot worse off, you see people go down with knees and other blokes coming back.
"Someone like Alex Pearce really helped me through that, he had a pretty rough run with it as well.
"It was a good learning experience for me. I felt like I matured a bit as a person and a player.
"It could be a blessing in disguise, who knows."
Logue is facing a challenge from swingman Brennan Cox and emerging rebounder Taylin Duman for a spot in the best 22.
The 193cm backman has impressed as an intercept defender during match simulation this pre-season and hoped the capability to play tall and small works to his advantage.
"I think I have the versatility to do either," Logue said.
"The majority of the pre-season has been on talls, but I've just been told to stay a bit lighter and try and stay up on the quicker guys.
"Whatever the team role is for me, I'll be happy to fill it."
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Meanwhile, Logue described Harley Bennell's latest calf injury as a "little minor setback" and backed the former Sun to overcome yet another hurdle in his bid to revive his stalled career.
"He's been really electric on the track and it's good to see him starting to hit his straps and I'm sure he'll be back out flying in no time," Logue said.
"He's a great talent to be seeing. I don't think I've even seen the best of him in person.
"We know what he's capable of and it will be great to see him out there for sure."
