Injured Adelaide defender Andrew McPherson is hopeful to be back in the mix for selection come the early rounds of the season after multiple knee setbacks hampered his plans for 2022.
McPherson was placed under the knife in July last year to aid a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury that would curtail his campaign before a difficult off-season.
The 23-year-old was one of two Crows players to be delisted by the club last November before being re-selected through the Rookie Draft later that month.
Prior to the draft, McPherson would face yet another setback, requiring further surgery on his knee that would place him on the sidelines for close to two months.
Having built his fitness across the summer, the Port District native is nearing a return to skills sessions less than a month out from his side's Round 1 clash against GWS.
“It has been a bit of a slow burn but I'm starting to stack sessions together which is nice and starting to feel like I am getting a little bit closer,” McPherson told AFC Media.
“I have still been by myself in rehab for the time being, but I think next week is when I will start integrating into some of the footy drills with the boys.
“Up until this point it has been a bit of a grind but I am enjoying it and getting every bit out of it so I will be ready to go.”
The developing Crows backman has played 28 games at West Lakes since making his debut in 2020, however last season would only see McPherson feature in Round 1 before spending the remainder of the year either in the SANFL or on the sidelines.
The medium-sized defender firms as a key piece within Matthew Nicks' squad, with the Crows home to only a handful of lockdown options on their last line.
Incumbent full-back Jordon Butts will again lead the way down back, while Nick Murray and Tom Doedee will continue to offer their services.
McPherson is likely to challenge uncapped backman James Borlase as Nicks' next man up, however the South Australian's focus is currently set on his return to the field.
“It will just be amazing to put on the jumper and have a run around again,” he said.
“I can wait to just be back with the boys, enjoying training and games and have that feeling of accomplishing something as a group.
“We are playing it by ear a little bit but I will try to get back as close to the start of the season as I can, so hopefully I don't miss too much footy.”
Adelaide will play pre-season matches against Fremantle and West Coast across the next two weeks before travelling to GIANTS Stadium to play GWS in their season opener.
