LAST season was an 'almost' year for Aidan Corr.

The Giants key defender suffered a serious ankle injury against the Swans at the SCG in round three, and although he almost got back on the field numerous times and almost got back in the senior team, he failed to play an AFL game for the rest of 2016.

Corr partially tore the deltoid ligament in his ankle, the same injury that ended teammate Shane Mumford's 2015 season, but decided against surgery and spent months rehabilitating the injury in a bid to get back for the finals.

The 22-year-old looked close to playing several times and was up and running at training most weeks, but never quite got back in time and had to settle for five NEAFL games at the end of the year where he helped the Giants claim the premierships over Sydney.

One of the Giants' best young defenders, Corr told AFL.com.au that it was a frustrating period, especially given he was forced to miss the club's first finals campaign which tested his mental resolve.

"I'd read the injury list and it would say 2-3 weeks every week, but I just had a few little setbacks that kept happening and it just got pushed back further and further," he said.

"It was annoying but I've had both shoulders operated on so I'm no stranger to the rehab group, you've just got to cop it really.

"I was pushing and pushing to get back, and then the next challenge was just getting back in the team, because the boys were playing so well.

"With 'Tommo' (Adam Tomlinson) going down back and Joel Patfull going so well, it was really hard to crack the team, which was stiff but that’s the way it is.

"It ended up being about 16 weeks in the end that I was out, but I played some footy and won the NEAFL flag with the boys, so at least I got something out of the season."

Despite being given the all clear at the end of the season and not requiring any more surgery, Corr chose to give up the chance to go away overseas and stayed in Australia to make sure he was ready for the start of pre-season training.

That dedication started last year when the tall defender stayed involved in everything the senior team did in terms of game preparation and analysis. He believes it helped immensely and he's looking forward to resuming a strong bond with fellow backmen Phil Davis and Tomlinson.

"I didn't miss any meetings and still went in and took my notes on the opposition so I could learn as much as possible," he said.

"I even spoke to Leon (Cameron) about sneaking into the forward line meetings so I could learn that as well and see if I could get a spot somewhere.

"I enjoy playing on the bigger boys, especially if it's a resting ruckman or someone like that, and when Phil (Davis) goes off I'm happy to take the power forward while he's on the bench.

"With 'Tommo' being down there as well it allows all three of us to fill that role."

Corr's senior return looks likely to be in foreign surroundings with the Giants' opening game of the JLT Community Series against West Coast being played at Narrandera, a small town 540km from Sydney in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales.

"It'll be good to get down there, I don't care if it's there or Spotless Stadium or wherever, it'll just be good to play again," Corr said.

"I'll be pushing to play all three games (in the JLT Community Series), whether that happens or not isn't really up to me, but I really want to.

"I'm fully fit now and good to go."