Sydney star Errol Gulden revealed that a text message he received following his fractured ankle helped alter his perspective that has driven his recovery.
In the pre-season clash against Gold Coast, Gulden was victim to a tackle when his foot was trapped underneath, and moments later, he realised it was more serious than he first thought.
"The first maybe, 10 minutes, I was in a bit of shock," Gulden said.
"I probably didn't realise how bad it was. I almost wanted to try and walk, and see if I could get back out there.
Errol Gulden has been helped off the ground after this incident.#AFLSunsSwans pic.twitter.com/2T9n9h6spe
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"But when it set in, when the physios cut my boot, and saw how bad it was, I just bawled my eyes out. I knew what it meant straight away.
"It didn't quite feel real. The worst it got was a few weeks after that, being stuck on the couch and not being able to come in (to the club) and socialise.
Rushed to surgery, the Swans organised orthopaedic surgeon Ben Foster, who has worked closely with the club over the years, to operate on the classy left-footer in Brisbane.
Friends and family hurried to Gulden's side, but it was one particular message that struck a chord with the 22-year-old.
"I got a text message from someone, basically saying they hated this for me, but also loved it for me at the same time," Gulden said.
"What they meant by that is, 'yeah it's s***', and it's one of the worst things that could happen, but the amount I've learnt about myself and the areas I could develop and grow, they also loved it for me.
"Having that lens straight away, and reading that message (was beneficial)."
The Swans provided insight into the rehab Gulden endured, which at times, consisted of solo 10km running sessions at 8 am, or lonely gym programs while his "40 best mates" are interstate.
But, the Marcellin Catholic College product found refuge in learning the "behind-the-scenes" process of preparations for game days, including sitting in the coaches' box and on the bench.
"I guess being able to see the game holistically," ย Gulden said.
"Sitting on the bench was a great opportunity, and sitting in the coaches' box, seeing the behind-the-scenes stuff from the coach's point of view. Review meetings, preview meetings.
"I'm just really diving into that and seeing the game from more than just my own perspective, and that was just super rewarding."
Taking his mind away from football, Gulden has been undertaking pilot classes in a bid to get his license.
Attending the Bankstown Flying School (45 minutes from the SCG), the midfielder has utilised his time during his rehabilitation to explore one of his other interests, which he says began at a "really young" age.
"My pilot's license on the side of my rehab," Gulden said.
"It's been really enjoyable. When I was really young, I got this book on planes from my grandparents, and I think that was where it started.
"I've always enjoyed flying, and the opportunity came up when I got hurt to have a bit of extra time to do something like this.
"It's been great. One of the few positives to come out of (the injury). Obviously, I'd rather be playing footy, but to have spare time to pursue something like this is really good."
Gulden made his long-awaited return in Round 15 against Port Adelaide in South Australia, and made an immediate impact, helping the Swans keep their season alive with an important victory. The 22-year-old amassed 18 disposals, five tackles and five score involvements.
Gulden's return signified a defining moment in Sydney's year, with Tom Papley as well as Callum Mills and Joel Amartey returning in recent weeks.
Despite sitting two games outside the top eight, the trusty left-footer remains confident in his ability to contribute to his side's aspirations of returning to the finals.
"The biggest thing I'd say is there's a silver lining to everything," Gulden said.
"My mindset has been that there's nothing inherently good or bad, it's just the perspective you have on it, and it's a lot easier said than done.
"I definitely ran with the 'woes is me' storyline, but the quicker you can snap out of that, I truly believe that things like this, you come back stronger than what you were before."
