It started with a frustrating wait in the red vest on the interchange bench for three quarters as the Sydney Swans battled it out with the Dockers, which was then followed by hours of icing which ended in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Then, after minimal hours of sleep, he faced the most difficult wait ahead of his all-important scan on Monday morning, which was set to reveal his fate in this year’s finals series.
Fortunately for the Swans defender, who has been in brilliant form this season earning selection in the All Australian squad, the news from Monday’s scan was positive, with results indicating no serious tear or injury.
“I’m over the moon,” Malceski told SwansTV on Tuesday.
“I was a bit concerned at the start because I hadn’t done a hamstring since 2006, so I’ve got the feeling for it.
“It was a bit nervy before the game, so I thought it was just that nervy pain, and as it turns out that’s pretty much what it is.
“I was stressing a little bit on Sunday on Father’s Day, but I just looked after it and was lucky enough to have the scans which showed no serious damage.”
While there were concerns after the Swans clash with Fremantle about whether he would feature again in this year’s finals series, all signs are looking good for Malceski, who will be aiming to return to the field for next Friday night’s preliminary final.
After enjoying a quiet few days on the track this week, the 30-year-old is expected to resume running as soon as Monday, with the view of training with the team next Wednesday.
“I’m not there yet,” Malceski said about his rehabilitation.
“But I should be able to get that right if I look after it this week and I’ll hopefully have a run next Monday I think.
“I’ll just have treatment until then and then will go from there.
“I should be right to go Friday week.”
Malceski said winning the qualifying final and securing the week off could not have come at a better time for his rehab program, but also for his team mates who would benefit from a week to freshen up.
“It’s definitely huge,” he said.
“The week off just helps everyone recover and we have a lighter week this week and then we’ll ramp it up for the game next week.
“Everyone will be able to get their rest and look after their body.”
The Swans squad were all smiles at Tuesday’s training session, with the group taking part in a light session in the sunshine at the SCG.
Malceski said earning a home preliminary final coupled with the week off and the sunny Spring weather had contributed to the good vibe around the club this week.
“The sun is finally out for the first time in about a month, which makes us all feel good,” he said.
“The boys are up and about and we’re just ready to get going.”
