The arduous journey back from a severe hamstring injury has almost reached its conclusion for Josh Mellington.

A little under a year ago, the Victorian forward had earned himself a spot in Ross Lyon’s 22 for the round 1 match against reigning premiers Geelong.

In just his third AFL game, following two in his debut 2011 season, Mellington rose to the occasion, kicking three goals and laying five important tackles.

But in round 3 against Brisbane at Patersons Stadium, chasing a ball that had been kicked into open space on the wing, Mellington’s season hit a brick wall.

“Until the Brisbane game where I got injured I thought I was doing what was required to hold my spot in the team,” the 20-year-old said.

“I went to take off and I felt like someone had slashed me in the back of the leg with a knife.

“That was my hamstring tendon severing.

“I had to have surgery that week and I was out for three months, but I never fully recovered that season.”

As Freo sailed into the AFL finals, Mellington became somewhat of a ‘forgotten man’ in the football world – but not at Freo.

“All the support you get behind closed doors at the club is so important,” he said.

“Everyone gets behind you and makes sure you get through.

“While perhaps the media and some of the fans might forget what you had accomplished earlier in the season, no one at the club does.

“You cherish that greatly.”

After playing catch-up for most of 2012, Mellington said an uninterrupted pre-season has him on track to get back to where he left off.

“I’m at about 90 per cent right now,” he said.

“I’ve just got a little bit of match-fitness to catch up on, but I should be right soon and be good to go.”

And another round 1 appearance is not out of the question.

“Everyone who is fit and available is aiming to play round 1, but I’ll just do everything I can to get myself in the best shape to give myself the best opportunity to play in round 1,” he said.

“It’s been nearly a year since I played for Freo.

“Touch wood this year I can stay out there and I can’t wait to wear the purple again.”