After undertaking groin surgery in August, the 19 year-old felt the full effects of a fortnight on the sidelines.
"I was on crutches for about two weeks and couldn't do anything. I lost about five kilos," Black told kangaroos.com.au
"For the last three or four weeks I've been slowly getting back into it. I started on the bike every second day and have been increasing that all the time. Since I've been back in the gym and eaten properly I've been able to put the weight back on again."
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North Melbourne's third pick in the 2009 draft, the former basketballer fought persistent injuries in his debut season and managed just three games at VFL level.
But he says the personal setbacks, as well as the success of first year team-mates Cunnington, Bastinac and Macmillan will only drive him further to succeed.
"Seeing the other first year players on the field this year, it definitely makes you want to get there even more," Black added.
Weighing in at just 78 kilos when he came to the club, Black has worked hard to increase his frame by 10 kilos in order to compete with the bigger bodies.
He'll be a notable absentee from the Kangaroos' high-altitude camp in Utah, but a return to the field is not too far on the horizon.
"I'm staying back and I'll aim to start running at the end of November. I'll hope to be kicking by January, then the aim is to back in training by February, but hopefully it will be a bit earlier than that.
With Brad Scott placing more and more emphasis on youth though, he is under no illusions as to the importance of getting back and performing.
"Being in my second year, I've really got to put my foot down and try and get some games."
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