Jagga Smith wouldn't have anticipated his maiden season on an AFL list to go like it has.
Smith tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the pre-season after a stirring summer that had Carlton fans excited.
The Blues traded up to Pick 3 to secure the Oakleigh Chargers product and midfield gun, hoping to add another dynamic to an on-ball brigade that consisted of two-time Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, top-10 selections Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra, as well as George Hewett.
But that sight will have to wait.
"Straight away, really, that mindset shifted," Smith said in a feature video on the club's website.
"I was kind of looking at it, how I can take positives out of this situation, and from my point of view, I'm just trying to get stronger in my lower body, my core and my upper body."
The dedicated footballer has been keeping busy in his rehabilitation, but has found other avenues to take his mind off not playing the sport he loves.
Smith has spent time with Carlton's reserves on match day, while also returning to his alma mater (Scotch College) to assist with coaching the school's midfield group.
"I wouldn't say I'm the best watcher," Smith said.
"I ride the bumps a bit. Been going to most games. Every game in Victoria."
He's also taken refuge in seeking out advice and "inspiration" from fellow ACL victims Sam Docherty and Jack Silvagni.
"Doc is a great leader, and a great person," Smith said.
"He's been helping me with a few tips on how to get back from it pretty quickly. Jack Silvagni, he's been great as well. He's come back really well from his knee injury, so there's definitely some inspiration around the club that I'm trying to follow on and get back like those blokes."
Smith has even sat in on Walsh's game reviews on a weekly basis, picking up crucial points for when he makes his long-awaited return.
The 19-year-old completed his first run since his serious knee injury on June 3, and has been consistently increasing the loads, and skills sessions, in a bid to prepare himself for the 2026 season.
"I'm really driven each day to get into the club and see it as an opportunity to get better," Smith said.
"Main things I'm focusing on is coming back a better athlete, and trying to improve my skills. Honing in on these things... trying to touch the ball as much as possible, and have confidence, that when my time does come, I'm ready for that moment.
"You do gain a lot of perspective during that time... I've realised how much I do love playing footy each weekend with my mates."
Smith is one of three top-10 picks yet to debut for their respective club, with Richmond's Josh Smillie battling soft-tissue injuries to delay his first game, while St Kilda's Alix Tauru could be seen this weekend against Collingwood.
