It also marks the first time that he hasn’t been injured come the midway mark of the season while at the Club.
Following a quadriceps injury in the pre-season, Meredith recently returned to the field in the Swans reserves side, and is happy to be on the field at this time of the year.
“It’s a bit of an accomplishment in that way I guess. It’s a great run. This year has probably been my best year,’’ Meredith said.
“I just want to get some consecutive games together and to keep playing throughout the whole season.’’
Meredith has spent plenty of time in rehabilitation since he was drafted to the Club at pick number 26 in the 2007 AFL Draft. His first year was ruined through shoulder injuries, and 2009 was similar a story, when he broke his arm and then decided to have his third shoulder reconstruction.
What was even more disappointing for the 21-year-old was that he had just started stringing senior games together when he got injured.
“It was pretty frustrating. It was the first game I’d actually been dropped (from seniors). It was the first quarter of the reserves game when I broke my arm so it was really disappointing and really frustrating to be out for the rest of the season.”
Meredith describes playing his seven senior games early in 2009 as an “absolutely awesome” experience. The memories of playing in seniors kept him motivated while he spent months in rehabilitation.
“I remember those games and I want to be back out there playing in the seniors again so it gave me a lot of motivation.”
Another motivator has come in the form of his mentor, Brett Kirk. The co-captain has been of great assistance to Meredith while he’s been on the sidelines and since his return, helping him to stay positive.
“He’s helped me out a fair bit, he’s been really great. (He said to) just keep doing what I’m doing, keep my head up when I was getting down. He was there just to help me keep my head up and that sort of stuff so he’s been pretty good.”
Meredith was one of the reserves’ best in their 35-point win over Eastlake last weekend, and has been impressive since his return. After playing most of his games up forward since coming back into the side, Meredith spent the game against the Demons in the midfield, which he says he enjoyed.
Meredith is now hoping to continue his injury-free run and get back into the senior side as soon as he can.
“I have to put a few more good games together but hopefully I’m not too far off (seniors). A lot of it is match fitness and putting a few consistent games together.
“I was hoping to play a few more games than I did last year in seniors but at the moment I’m just hoping to get back into the side. I’ve been pretty happy with how I am going. The weekend was one of my better games,” Meredith said.
Both the seniors and reserves have the bye this weekend due to the split round in both competitions, and Meredith says the break has come at a good time.
“I think everyone is looking forward to giving their bodies a bit of a break and hopefully come back next week pretty fresh and ready to go so hopefully it’s good for the boys,” he said.
