Devon Smith's knee had been sore for so long he could not remember the last time he had run without pain but the decision to miss a big chunk of the season for surgery is about to pay off.
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The Greater Western Sydney forward is making his comeback against Collingwood on Saturday after 11 weeks out with a knee injury that was causing him grief on and off the field.
The Giants have been hit hard by injury, with running back Nathan Wilson and midfielder Ryan Griffen joining Matt Buntine on the injury list, while Matt Kennedy has been dropped. In come Smith, Adam Kennedy, who last played in round 10, Jack Steele and Adam Tomlinson.
Smith's problem flared over pre-season and resurfaced during the NAB Challenge, gradually getting worse, along with Smith's form. There was also a mental toll before he bit the bullet after round five to go under the knife.
There was also the toll from having to constantly manage the injury at home with ice and rest. "You'd wake up and check the swelling, it was never ending," Smith said.
"Now I can get through the training, come home and walk the dog."
