With the opening of the AFL season just days away, Tayte Pears has returned to full training.

The injury plagued defender had a post-season operation to repair a lower leg injury.

“He damaged his achilles right on the heel,” Club Doctor Bruce Reid said.

“So that was always going to put him out from October through to February but he’s just slowly built up and done full rehab and today he’s joined in which is terrific.”

For Pears, time in the rehab group was nothing new, but this injury was particularly difficult.

“I’ve been in rehab for eight months now so it has been a big journey,” Pears said. 

“This one’s been tough.  It’s only the last few weeks where I’ve started to feel really good about myself.  I feel quite fit now and I’m up and about and really looking forward to getting back on the park again.

“Watching them train all pre-season while I was stuck inside was pretty tough for me, I just want to get back out there and have some on-field success.”

And it’s that thirst for finals glory that continues to motivate Pears.

“I grew up loving the game so it’s just my passion, I love football.  One thing that drives you is that success with your mates and I just want to be a part of it.”

When the 25 year old does run out with the side again, it might be in a new role.

Pears spent time playing in the forward line for the VFL side last season and the switch is set to continue.

“I think the coaches are keen to try me up forward again.  I obviously haven’t trained too much this year but I’m learning all the forward patterns.  I think it’s good to be able to play both ends of the ground so you’ll probably see me up both ends this year.”