It was Winderlich’s first match on the ground since injuring his knee in Round 4, 2011, an injury that set him back over the next two seasons, restricting the 28-year-old to just six matches.
“It’s the first time I have been out on the G since I had my knee reconstruction a two years ago so it was a really weird feeling at the start and I was pretty nervous,” Winderlich told The Hangar.
“As I am getting older I feel like it is a privilege to play in the team now.
“The club has been so good to me, they could have gotten rid of me over the last couple of years but they have always stood by me and I really appreciate it.”
After just 102 games since his AFL debut, the livewire forward is not taking anything for granted.
“Because I have missed so much footy over the last ten years, I don’t know how many games I have got left so I never take for granted getting out there and playing,” Winderlich said.
“You can’t carry anything at AFL level because the players you play on are so fit and so talented.
Coach James Hird praised the work rate of Winderlich to make his return despite all the setbacks he has faced.
“Jason has worked very hard, had a lot of setbacks with his hamstrings after his knee and I am very pleased for him because it has been a frustrating couple of years,” Hird said after the ANZAC Day win.
“He is a quality player and is making a big difference to our team.”
Winderlich remembers how ‘down’ he felt after working hard to make his return last season only to be cut down by a hamstring against Adelaide in Round 19.
“It was my 100th game, Jobe’s 150th, that was our chance to get back in the eight so it was pretty bad.”
“I thought I would give it one last crack this pre-season and so far my hamstring has felt really good, my knee has always been fine and on ANZAC Day it was really confidence boosting to be able to break the lines a few times, get out on the lead and really hit top end speed,” he said.
The birth of his daughter has put life into perspective for the Bombers veteran.
“Obviously footy is such a small part of your life and I have been lucky enough to play for ten years and yes there are disappointments along the way but things are put in perspective,” Winderlich said.
“Whether it is a family member is sick, you lose a friend in a car accident or another thing that happens that puts life in perspective.”
He hinted at a potential future in coaching saying he enjoys seeing the development in up and coming footballers.
“I do love the coaching side of things, like I love working with some young guys during the week and then you see them bring something out in their game on a weekend,” he said.
“That is a very rewarding experience.”
