Michael Rischitelli is hopeful of playing his first game of the season in May – just 10 months after rupturing his ACL.
But the 31-year-old Gold Coast leader said he wouldn't be taking any shortcuts to do so.
The sight of Rischitelli thumping the turf in agony after hearing his right knee pop against the Brisbane Lions last July was an image that makes every SUNS fan's stomach churn.
Just six months later, one of the toughest players in the club is on track to return two months ahead of most ACL rehabs.
"I've ticked off a lot of boxes, which is good. The volume of my running has gone up," Rischitelli told AFL.com.au.
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"I think I'm on the right track.
"I'm probably ahead of schedule, but the main goal is to hopefully get back and start playing around May.
"That'd be nice, but you just never know with these things."
Rischitelli has been with the SUNS since day one and is the heart and soul of the club.
When things have been at their worst, his voice has been heard loudest in the change-rooms, such is the esteem he's held.
Rischitelli said despite being out of contract and entering the latter stages of his career, there was no more urgency than usual to get back on the field quickly.
"I've thought about that a lot," he said.
"If I was in the early stages of my career I'd want to rush back, but it's all about getting it right, not skipping anything, so I can play as much footy as I can for as long as I can.
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"It's an old saying, but it's day by day at the moment.
"I can't focus too far ahead. It's little baby steps and little milestones."
At the moment those little milestones are increasing his running volume and by mid-February hopefully incorporating some agility work.
The father of two said it was easy to keep things in perspective.
"The kids keep you busy.
"If I was a bit younger and didn't have the structure, I'd struggle a bit, but because I'm at an age where I've had ups and downs, I can't do much about it but deal with it."
