Speaking exclusively to FTV, 2008 rising star Rhys Palmer today revealed that he is feeling upbeat despite being ruled out for the rest of the season.

Rhys suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fourth quarter against Sydney on Saturday night – the only bad news to come out of Fremantle’s 21-point triumph over the Swans.

Devastated by the diagnosis, Rhys admits he was almost reduced to tears when he was told the news by surgeon Keith Holt.

"When I came to the club on Monday morning I still thought I was a chance to play against the Eagles this week," Rhys said.

"So to be told that I won't be able to play this week, let alone the whole season, was pretty devastating, a tear came to my eye.”

With plenty of time to reflect on the season ahead, Rhys promises the Fremantle faithful that he will be back bigger and better in 2010.

"It will give me an opportunity to get my body right and get bigger and better in the gym and get a few things with my game right,” he said.

Rhys, who will have surgery tomorrow, said he had spoken to fellow Rising Star winner Paul Hasleby about his journey and the challenges ahead on the recovery trail from a knee reconstruction.

"Paul and I are starting to get a lot of things alike," Rhys said.

"When I spoke to him he said there's a lot more people worse off than us.

"I am only going to be out of footy for a year, so he said keep your chin up and work hard and you'll be back.”

Rhys admitted that despite being an upbeat and positive person at this stage, there could be some tough moments ahead as the reality of it all sets in.

"I'm not too sure if it's sunk in just yet,” he said.

"I think it will sink in when the boys run out on the weekend and I won't be a part of that.

"So that will be a challenge in itself. I'll have to wait and see how I deal with it."

To catch Rhys Palmer's exclusive interview on FTV CLICK HERE