The 19 year-old underwent knee surgery last Thursday and says the setback has only reignited his passion for the game and desire to improve once he returns.
"There can be a lot of positives out of something like this. I'm just trying to take as many positives as I can," Bastinac said speaking exclusively to kangaroos.com.au.
"I just want to do all the right things so I can come back a better player and just get back out there as soon as possible because it's pretty shattering sitting on the sidelines watching the boys go about it."
Two weeks ago Bastinac dismissed concerns over his health by winning the club's first time trial of 2011 at Princes Park, but an innocuous training incident on Wednesday has upset his early 2011 ambitions.
"I did the warm-up on Wednesday and felt good. We went into one-on-one's and I just jumped and landed on it funny. I heard a click...that's when I knew it wasn't right. I was in a lot of pain. It was really shattering and I knew I would be out for a little while as soon as it happened."
Now the slow road to recovery begins for the emerging star.
"When I got out of hospital I was in that much pain...now I'm feeling really good. It's 100% on what it was," Bastinac added.
Arriving back at Arden Street for the first time on Tuesday, Bastinac’s teammates rallied around him as Director of Medical Services and Player Pathways Steve Saunders talked him through his rehabilitation.
"At the moment I'll just be sitting on the couch doing my three exercises which is pretty boring. I'd love to be out doing something, but if I do all the right things now I can build from there.
"I think I'm in the brace for four weeks, then I'll move in to a lot of swimming with my legs tied which won't be fun but I'll become a good swimmer I guess."
Assuming all things go to plan, the midfielder will be eyeing a return early in the home and away season.
"I think I've been mapped out for about round five but I'll have to play a few VFL games to get back into it. Hopefully not too long into the season though."
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| North Melbourne doctor Dan Bates assesses Ryan Bastinac's knee |
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| Bastinac talked through his rehabilitation program by Director of Medical Services and Player Pathways Steve Saunders |
