Daniel Sharrock is hoping to put a wretched two and a half years behind him after joining his beloved Wangaratta full-time.
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Sharrock has played only eight games since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on June 23, 2018.
The clever forward-midfielder joined VFL club Williamstown in January, 2019, but had a cursed run, including four operations on the right knee and being hospitalised for five days over Christmas of that year.
He still had the Pies as his second club, but changed to Pascoe Vale for 2020, but never played for the club after the competition was derailed by COVID.
"Obviously with my knee it didn't work out the way I wanted it, but that happens to a lot of people, I just want to get back to enjoying footy," he explained.
It didn't work out the way I wanted it, but that happens to a lot of people, I just want to get back.
- Daniel Sharrock
Although the 22-year-old lacks the profile of some team-mates, such as former AFL player Michael Newton, he has shown the potential to play at a higher level.
He will always be remembered for his courage in straightening his own broken nose during a game in April, 2018, and then returning to play the same game.
The knee has restricted him returning to that breakout 2018, where he finished runner-up to Joe Richards in the best and fairest, despite not playing a game after round 11.
The prospect of Sharrock pushing past that career high is an enormous boost to the Pies as they chase a fourth successive grand final.
"The knee's really, really good, finally, 100 percent," he said with relief.
"As much as last year sucked not being able to play (due to COVID), it helped me through the recovery after what happened over the Christmas before."
Sharrock still harbours VFL aspirations.
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"Yeah, I think so, obviously I still want to play the best footy I can, but first I just want to get back playing and having some fun," he admitted.
The Pies play Wodonga Raiders in round one.
