By this time of year Jesse Bromwich is used to feeling pretty sore and sorry.
Eighteen straight weeks of constant bumps and bruises takes its toll however this year is different.
That is the bright side to having an injury-interrupted first half of the season.
Heading into this year Bromwich had displayed remarkable durability, missing just five games out of a possible 158 since 2011.
However this year he has missed six games in total as a result of thumb and hamstring injuries.
On Saturday he returned to the line-up and resumed his place as leader of the Storm pack, coming off the bench to produce a team high 169 metres.
It was 45 minutes of raw power from Bromwich and a clear sign he is determined to make up for lost time in 2018.
"I have had eight games off now so I feel like I am going to be fresh heading into the back end of the year," Bromwich said.
"Right now it is Round 19 but it doesn't feel like that for me, it feels like Round 2 or 3. Hopefully now I can string a few games together and play some good footy for the Club."
The 29-year-old admits the frustration has been there as he has sat on the sidelines watching teammates and has newfound admiration for players who experience more lengthy spells in the rehab group.
"It has been very frustrating, it is the first time in my career I've had to deal with back-to-back injuries," Bromwich said.
"I did not realise how much it took a toll on you mentally not being out there with the boys and training with the boys.
"Being patient with your injuries is quite tough to do so I take my hat off to people who do long term injuries and come back time and time again.
"It has been tough but I am just happy to be back."
Storm Media; Jesse Bromwich
