Davey tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and needed a full reconstruction.

He is currently three months into his 10-12 month recovery.

“I just started walking and light jogging exercises on Wednesday,” he said.

“Before that I have been doing a little bit of other leg work like squats and leg press to try and get the muscles right in my leg.

“To keep fit I have mostly been doing swimming and a bit of bike, speed ball - basically anything that keeps you off your feet.

“There is no pain at all now (in the knee) so it’s all good – it probably stopped hurting about a month ago.”

Davey, 24, said he is determined not to rush things and will work under the guiding eye of rehabilitation coach, Mark Cera.

“I have spent about nine weeks with Mark now and it all seems to be going well,” Davey said.

“He isn’t working me hard at this stage but after about four months I will start to step it up.”

The goal sneak is keen to build up his strength in the gym to better cope with the physical pressure of the AFL.

The father of three says it has been a disappointing season following his impressive debut year in 2007 (which was also cut short with a broken arm).

He won the club rising star award but, in 2008, hasn’t been able to consistently deliver on the promise that the club and fans know he can.

With 19 AFL games to his name Davey is now simply looking forward to 2009.

“When they told me (about the knee injury) I was sad to hear the news but after a week or so I got over it and started looking forward to next year,” he said.

“I just can’t wait to get back on the field and play with my team-mates.”