There are moments during a long-term injury when the finish line feels a long way away.

For Emily Gough, those moments came in spades.

What began as a ruptured ACL during last year's AFLW pre-season quickly became more than a standard rehabilitation. A second surgery delayed her return, testing her patience and forcing her to rethink what progress looked like.

Now, more than a year later, Gough is finally preparing to pull on the sash again as the side prepares for their practice match against Carlton.

"I'm obviously a bit nervous, but very excited," Gough said.

"When you've had a year and a bit off, you're just really eager to get out there and play.

"I've been held back a little with a few different things, but I'm just excited to get going and get involved in some match simulation to get me ready for the season."

For many athletes, ACL rehabilitation is one that is notably long, testing and tedious.

For Gough, this rang true, with the young forward learning the value of patience as she put in the work.

"An ACL recovery is obviously very long," Gough said.

"I probably thought mentally I'd be pretty good, get through the surgery and keep progressing, but I had a second surgery before I could run again, which pushed me back a lot.

"I constantly found myself comparing where I was at, and that probably didn't help me at all.

"But once you get over that little hump and you're heading in the right direction, it becomes really exciting again. Getting back into running, change of direction and all that sort of stuff."

While the physical setbacks were challenging, the recovery also became an opportunity to grow in ways she hadn't anticipated.

Unable to contribute on the field as a member of the listed 21, Gough discovered there were still plenty of ways to positively impact the group.

"I probably thought before my injury that you couldn't really be a leader if you weren't playing or training," Gough said.

"But your mindset kind of changes.

"I spoke to 'Woody' (Senior Coach Natalie Wood) a lot about still being able to have an impact, even if I'm not on the field. That meant helping the younger girls and spending more time in the leadership space.

"It gave me a new perspective on my game, and I'm really grateful for that."

Another turning point came away from Melbourne.

Earlier this year, Gough travelled overseas alongside AFLW's Head Physiotherapist Megan Smith to continue her rehabilitation, joining a growing list of Bombers to benefit from the specialist program.

The experience proved invaluable, not only for her body, but for her confidence.

"I'm really grateful the club sent me over with 'Megsy', our head physio," Gough said.

"Having that one-on-one treatment for five days is something you probably never really experience, and the facilities over there are unreal.

"But it was more than just the rehab. We met some incredible athletes and learnt so much that we can bring back into our own program. I honestly feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been because of that experience.

"It really helped me physically, but mentally as well. It gave me that reset and put my body in the best position to get back playing."

Now, after more than 12 months away from competitive football, the next chapter is finally here.

There may still be butterflies before she runs out, but they'll be quickly overcome by one thing.

The opportunity to play some footy.