LAST WEEK, for the first time in 42 weeks, Rory Taggert packed his footy bag.

While it was only a small gesture, it was recognition for the 19-year-old that his stalled career was finally back on track.

Taggert ran out for Melbourne against Port Adelaide in Renmark last Sunday, the first time he'd done so since being drafted by the Demons in 2011.

He gathered nine disposals and took two marks.

"It hasn't been something that I've been able to do yet, and finally getting a chance to pack it (the bag) and get a game with the Melbourne Footy Club it's something that I've really looked forward to," Taggert told AFL.com.au.

But just getting out on to the field was enough.

Taggert managed three early games for Casey in the VFL in 2012 after being drafted from the Horsham Saints (the first from the club to ever do so) with pick No. 36 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.

All he wanted to do was to prove to the Demons they had made the right decision in recruiting him, but midway through last season that chance was snatched away from him.

Participating in a drill at training, Taggert went to kick the ball around his body and felt a distinct grab and instant soreness in his lower back. Fearing the worst, he was sent off for scans by the club doctor.

Results confirmed he was suffering from a stress fracture in his lower back.

"One thing with the back is that you couldn't do anything," Taggert said.

No swimming, no running, no weights for eight weeks. For a player in his first year, trying to establish himself at a new club, it was devastating news.

"It just felt like I was falling behind everyone else," he said.

Working with the Demons' elite performance manager, David Misson, Taggert was set a revised program and largely separated from the main group.

After some initial remedial exercises, which included core strength training, Taggert joined Max Gawn and the now retired Clint Bartram in rehabilitation.

"You don't want to be in rehab. It's a really lonely place," Taggert said.

"Hopefully I don't have to be back in there ever again."

Despite those feelings, the trio – who were at similar stages in their rehabilitation – pushed each other all the way.

Taggert pointed to Bartram's profound influence. The two developed a strong bond during that time, as Bartram battled knee tendonitis, which eventually forced his retirement.

"We really got to know each other and he (Bartram) could really tell if I was up or down."

"Every session we did was just one step closer to gaining what we wanted to gain."

That goal was getting back out on to the field.

Having achieved that, and with a NAB Cup game under his belt, Taggert now has his sights set on forcing his way in to the Demons line-up at some stage this year.

Melbourne will be careful with Taggert's preparation, resting him from the club's round three NAB Cup game against St Kilda on Saturday.

"(Misson's) pretty much said to me he looks at me like I'm a new recruit," Taggert said.

He has been converted from a midfielder to a forward after impressing the coaches in a high-half forward role in an intra-club match in February.

Taggert's kicking and decision making under pressure are considered key strengths, with the club nominating him as one of the best kicks at the club.

But before he even turns his attention to on-field matters, Taggert has other pressing things to address.

"I still feel like I'm still getting to know my own teammates and all of their strengths and weaknesses," he said.

"I don't feel they know much about me and I don't feel as though I know all that much about them."

Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter- @AFL_BenGuthrie