It’s been a frustrating seven months for Sydney Swans midfielder Lloyd Perris but a regular face in rehab has spurred him on in his recovery.
The 20-year-old was enjoying a successful first season on the Swans’ list playing in the reserves in the NEAFL last year before being struck down by a serious knee injury in Round 12.
After undergoing LARS surgery to repair his ruptured ACL, Perris has worked hard ever since in rehab to get on top of the injury.
Having spent countless hours in ‘the dungeon’ – a confined exercise room with no windows buried deep in the bowels of the SCG – it’s been the efforts of one of his teammates that has inspired him to get through this challenging time.
“It’s always hard down there (in the dungeon), it’s tough, you can get down at times but there’s a really good group of guys in there and we’ve always got each other’s back,” Perris said.
“Alex Johnson who is doing it a lot harder than I am, he’s been awesome to chat to and have around.
“He’s probably the one that drives the group in rehab which is fantastic for everyone else to see.
“To see just how much work he’s putting in to get back is fantastic.”
Perris in action for the Swans reserves.
With the Swans Academy product on top of his injury, he’ll take another step forward in his recovery next week when he joins in the main group for training.
His days in the dungeon will be behind him and he’ll have an opportunity to get out amongst his teammates and train regularly instead of watching them from the sidelines.
“It’s a big season for me, I really need to get some consistency first, I’ve got to get back to training and really get some consistency about my training,” he said.
“I need to make sure I’m doing all the right things and then start putting my name up for senior selection early on in the year.
“What I’ve learned from the older boys ahead of me is that comes from consistency.”
The midfielder has been working hard throughout his rehab and will be back training with the main group next week.
Away from the club, Perris will keep up his university studies this season alongside one of his teammates.
“Outside of footy this year I’m continuing to study a degree in journalism,” Perris said.
“I’ve been doing a bit of study with Brandon Jack and that’s been awesome.
“We’ll keep chipping away at getting a degree, it’s taking some time, but we’ll get there.
“It’s been a lot of fun doing it with him.”
