The rehabilitation group can be a lonely place.

Confined to an exercise bike, players can only look on from the confines of the gym as their teammates run up and down the training track.

The repetition.  The setbacks.  Not being able to perform what you are paid to do. 

Few know the mental strain of life on the injury list as well as Tayte Pears.

His seven-year career has produced 69 senior games and a constant run of injury setbacks. 

Saturday marked his first AFL game in almost two years. 

“At times you think, yeah I might not get back,” Pears said. 

“I hung in there and I’ve worked pretty hard to get back out there. 

“It was just good to be back out there, tough day but it’s a step forward (personally) I suppose.” 

Pears burst on to the scene in 2009 as one of the most promising young defenders in the game. 

He was capable of playing on big, strong key forwards as well as the quick, agile ‘crumbers’ at their feet. 

His run from defence would also help set up many of Essendon’s attacking thrusts. 

But the wave of momentum came to a halt in 2010.

Pears spent time in intensive care and underwent major surgery to repair a damaged pancreas.

When he overcame that he suffered a series of leg and foot injuries that may have been less painful, but were no less frustrating. 

This year Pears has finally gained the continuity he’s craved. 

He’s played 12 games in the VFL and returned to the senior side on the weekend. 

“I haven’t missed too much at all this year,” Pears said.

“Obviously last year with the achilles was bad, barely played all year. 

“I’ve strung a few together now and the body is feeling really good, so hopefully that’s all my injuries behind me now and I can just look forward and play some good footy.”

Pears gathered 18 possessions against the Crows and went at 94% efficiency as he and his fellow defenders endured a barrage of Adelaide attacking raids. 

“As a team, we can’t dish that up again, it’s very disappointing and almost embarrassing to do that,” he said. 

“We’ve got to look at what we did wrong during the week and really come together. 

“Obviously we’re going through a tough time as a club.  

“The boys have got to come together and look after one another and just try and finish the year off strong.”

Regardless of how the remaining three games pan out, the sight of Tayte Pears dashing from defence will bring a smile to those that have followed his misfortune.