Alex Browne has spent the last month ofEssendon's pre-season in the rehabilitation group. It's a place – for a coupleof reasons – he's looking forward to leaving next week.

Only days after speaking to essendonfc.com.aulate last month about the challenges he was excited about facing in his secondAFL pre-season, Browne strained his right quad.

The early rigours of pre-season testing,weights, running and skills had overworked the muscle, and left the 19-year-oldspending the majority of November in the rehab group with other players whoseprogress needs to be carefully monitored and managed.

""It was a result of a bit ofoverloading,"" Browne told essendonfc.com.au in the second update of hispre-season campaign.

""But being in the rehab group has beenvery, very tough. I think they've tried to make it that little bit tougher thanwhat the other guys are doing, and there's no skills or ball work so it makesus miss it that bit more. ""

In lieu of the running sessions, Browne'srecovery program has revolved around cross-training pursuits like the exercisebicycle, boxing and spending more time on the rowing and grinder machines.""It isn't much fun but has got to be done to keep my fitness up,""Browne said.

He started running again this week and is onschedule to return to the track next week, but the time off has not dented anyset targets. After expressing his desire to enter next year weighing 88kg, hehas already put on two kilograms in the last month and sits at 87kg. 

And, despite his injury and time on thesidelines, Browne's enthusiasm for the training and his own development hasn'twaned. He's liking working with people intent on making him a betterplayer. 

""You still enjoy it,"" he said.""You'd prefer to be there than not at all. That's what I always try tothink about it, and it is fun because the boys make it that way. It's justduring that training period when you're pushed to the edge where it can bementally draining at times, but it's worth it.""

After the club signalled its intentions to makeBrowne into an inside, ball-winning midfielder in 2012, he has spent more timewith the midfield group in the past month. He hasn't participated in theon-field drills, but off the field has been able to break way in groups ofthree or four teammates and study vision of opposition players with developmentcoaches.

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He's learned much about his own game by watchingothers; how they approach stoppages, where they stand and how he could betteruse his explosive power and natural ability to read the play. In isolation theyare little things, but Browne's aware they add up.

""I've quickly learned with a few newcoaches that they've picked up I'm a bit stationary at stoppages and trying toget the ball with planted feet,"" Browne said.

""It's always seemed acceptable at the VFLlevel but if I'm willing and wanting to play at the AFL level I've got to betaking the ball on the move.""

In just two updates with Browne, it has becomeclear he has a good sense of his position within the club and a clear view ofwhere he can reach.

To a greater and lesser extent, every AFL playercarries leadership qualities. They have needed them to get to the top level oftheir sport. Browne's shine through in his articulate nature and, as Essendon'snew batch of draftees enter the club, he has found himself this week givingthem some helpful hints. 

On his first day a year ago, Browne walked intothe auditorium and sat in Michael Hurley's designated seat, so was first totell the three new Bombers where they could sit without impeding on anyone's territory.

He can't believe a year ago it was him in thesame position, but is aware that sport's ticking clock means that the work hedoes now will hold him in good stead for the next week, next month and nextseason. Everything Browne does, even in injury, is in preparation for the nextchance.

""At the club, you're always welcome andfeel you belong, but especially with the new boys coming in, I feel I've gotthat little bit more maturity,"" he said. 

""It's more psychological than anythingelse. Now that I've been there a year, I want to establish myself as an AFLplayer and not just make up the numbers.""

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