Essendon's 2017 slogan is "Our Comeback Story", and midfielder David Myers is one Bomber who particularly embodies that mantra.
The 27-year-old was one of ten current Essendon players who missed the 2016 season, but his time off the field was far greater than 12 months.
A shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the Dons' 2015 campaign saw the West Australian sidelined until round 20 that season, before a fractured back from a stray knee in that game ended his year the way it started.
As he prepares for Thursday night's JLT Community Series clash with Collingwood, Myers predicts he'll be a little anxious before the siren sounds at Etihad Stadium.
"It has been tough, but (injuries and suspensions) are part of footy, and you deal with it and move on," he told AFL.com.au.
"I'm in a position now where I'm fit and healthy and looking forward to playing.
"I'm sure I'll be pretty nervous in the rooms before the game, and I'll have all the normal thoughts going through my head."
Myers didn't spend his year in exile feeling sorry for himself, and instead did things professional footballers have little time to pursue.
A commerce degree is well on its way to being completed. He also travelled through Europe with his girlfriend and spent time with his family in Perth.
With his mind now firmly on reigniting his AFL career, Myers believes Essendon is once again a club that players can be proud to be a part of.
"(The players are) just looking forward to getting into our work and being judged on performance, and that's all we've really ever wanted," Myers said.
"There's obviously been a lot of change, and since John (Worsfold) came in, the work he's done has been amazing.
"We're very fortunate we could walk back into the club after 12 months, and the work (the club) has put in in that time, you notice a real lift in standards and culture.
"It really is exciting and I'm just rapt to be a part of it now, and being able to drive (the standards) and see what we can do (on the field) over the next little bit."
Where Myers fits on the field is still up in the air, with the hard nut preparing to play all over the ground as the modern game demands.
And if Myers can find the continuity in his football that's eluded him over the past two seasons, his 'comeback story' will be rewarded with a coveted honour.
"(The 100-game milestone) is loosely there, but especially (at Essendon), where you get your name on the locker, that would be pretty special for me to be able to do that," he said.
"It's (a milestone) I thought I would have passed a couple of years ago, so it's there in the back of my head, but more importantly I'm trying to make sure I'm in the side for round one by playing some good footy."
