Young defender Tayte Pears has delighted club officials with his speedy recovery from a bruised and bleeding pancreas and today began zero weight-bearing conditioning work.
The 20-year-old has already been walking laps with team-mates and today did his first light cycling session.
""There isn't a lot Tayte can do at the moment but he is doing some very basic exercises which is great,"" Football operations manager Paul Hamilton said.
""He is walking laps and has just started cycling work but hasn't started running as yet.
""We will just build him up very slowly depending on what his body allows. We will see how he responds to his early training.""
The Bombers' football department has said they are very happy with Pears' progress from a major operation last month but Hamilton believes it is extremely unlikely he will return to the field this season.
""It is great to have Tayte back around the club - it's good for him and good for the players,"" he said.
""He is happy to be back and starting his training program and the other players are really happy to see him.
""Tayte always has a positive influence on others so his return has given everyone a lift. He can still play an important role around the club.""
Hamilton admitted the 191cm Western Australian has been missed in defence after continuing to develop well in his third season at the club.
""We have certainly missed having Tayte on field,"" he said.
""He has developed into a good, strong, young defender and we have missed his presence out there.""
