FRUSTRATED Greater Western Sydney star Brett Deledio is making solid progress in his rehabilitation from a calf injury but admits he can't put an exact timeframe on his return to the field.
Deledio is yet to play a game for the Giants after his high-profile trade from Richmond at the end of the last AFL season.
The 30-year-old, who struggled with calf injuries in his final two seasons at Punt Road, suffered the initial injury in February then had a setback in his recovery.
Speaking to Fox Footy on Sunday, Deledio initially said he could be "a couple of weeks away" from a return, but admitted it could take longer when pressed.
"I'm confident I can play in the back half (of the season)," he said.
"I'm looking forward to getting out there, but it's just been a really slow process and one we knew we'd have to go slow with.
"We tried to rush it a bit early on probably and I did suffer a couple of setbacks, but since we've gone nice and slow we've built it up and got it nice and strong.
"Whenever that time is - I'm not going to put a timeframe on it because ultimately you set yourself up to fail - but when I do get back, I want to be back for the rest of the year."
Deledio's return is listed as 'TBC' on the club's official injury list.
After starting the season with a heavy loss to Adelaide, the Giants have improved to a 4-1 record to sit fourth on the ladder.
Deledio said it had been tough mentally for him to be forced to watch from the sidelines.
But he's determined to make sure he doesn't suffer a recurrence that could rule him out for even longer.
"I've come this far now, being really patient and trying to get the calf nice and strong before returning," he said.
"So I'm not willing to rush that just to get back playing. I've got to be patient.
"I'm itching to get out there and be a part of it but I've got to stick to my plan and see it through, so I can play the rest of the season without a hiccup."
Deledio said he would probably need a game or two at NEAFL level before pressing for selection in the senior team.
