Essendon forward Joe Daniher hopes he will a return from his groin injury at the back end of the season, after a slow start to his recovery.
Daniher was originally slated to miss just four weeks with the injury, but hasn't played since round seven and is still a while away from making his return.
The 24-year-old forward hasn't even begun running, which means it looks as though he's got at least another month on the sidelines at best.
"It's probably a little slower than I'd like, as any footballer that's on the sidelines has that feeling where you try and push to get back as quick as possible, but I'm fully understanding I need to get this right to have the best chance of succeeding at the back end of the year," Daniher told the media on Wednesday.
"Hopefully that includes some finals footy for our club and we keep winning, get on a roll and that's what will take place."
Daniher told the media he still experiences some pain while rehabilitating, and couldn't put a time frame on his return.
"With any injury you get a little bit of pain, but I know how much is good pain and I know how much is too much. I've had it for a little while now and I'm looking forward to putting it behind me," Daniher added.
Daniher has played seven games this season, and has booted just eight goals.
