JoshCowan’s determination to pull on the blue and white hoops again in 2015 has himworking harder than ever to get back to full fitness.

Afterfive years at the club the luckless midfielder has endured numerous Achillesand hamstring injuries and managed only three AFL games.

Originallyfrom Daylesford, 23-year-old Cowan is currently stuck into pre-season trainingafter recovering from surgery in June on a third Achilles tendon injury.

Hamstringshave also been a problem area, with three tears keeping him off the track andin the rehab room throughout his career.

“It’sjust through not being able to do a full pre-season of training. The body isjust not used to that football intensity.

“I’vebeen unlucky but that’s footy unfortunately.”

Despiteit all, Cowan remains positive after returning to training but is cautiouslytaking it one step at a time.

“I’mstill on a bit of a monitored program that the boys down in strength andconditioning and physio are running but I’m basically into everything now.

“Upuntil Christmas they will look after me a little bit and after Christmashopefully I can get into everything and have a good run into the NABChallenge.”

Cowanis dedicated to getting his body right and used most of the player break periodas an opportunity to make some progress with his fitness.

“Itrained through the break because I missed so much last year.

“Iwasn’t by myself too much, I had blokes like Blitz, Cam Guthrie, James Kelly,Nige Lappin and my younger brother back home.

“Sothere were a lot of people who put their hand up to help me through thetraining so I wasn’t too lonely.”

Somany injury setbacks have seen Cowan turn to his coaches for advice andsupport, in particular Nigel Lappin.

“Nigehas had the biggest influence on me. I got pretty close with him when I firstgot to the club and the relationship has grown since I’ve been here, he’s theone I’m closest with here.”

Fornow, Cowan isn’t getting too ahead of himself. His focus is on buildingconsistency and ticking all the boxes on the training track.

“Justplaying football is the goal at the moment, I don’t really mind where.Hopefully I’m out there and out of the gym for a change.”