Collingwood premiership midfielder Tom Mitchell hasn't been sighted since the Anzac Day clash last year due to persistent foot issues.
After a superb maiden season at the Pies in 2023, which culminated in an elusive flag, Mitchell, like his team, couldn't get himself going throughout the premiership defence, as injuries took hold of the following campaign.
The former Hawk featured six times in 2024 but was subbed out on two occasions, with ankle injuries and the managed plantar fasciitis issue he had been managing.
Mitchell then had to get his appendix removed shortly after being sidelined with the foot injury, which extended his time away from the club. Two months later, the Pies confirmed that the 2018 Brownlow medallist underwent a procedure on the plantar fascia in his left foot, ruling him out for another eight weeks.
And by August, Collingwood put a line through his season.
"When something goes wrong, you need to feel it," Mitchell said on his vodcast Ball Magnets alongside Carlton captain Patrick Cripps.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Mitchell was determined to return to his best, and overcoming the lingering foot issue that ruined his campaign last year appeared to be in the rearview mirror.
But as he puts it, the 31-year-old was going up the rollercoaster, only to head back down, suffering a bone stress injury in December shortly after returning to running. Later, he endured another setback ahead of Round 2 in his right ankle, separate from his left plantar fascia injury.
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Mitchell has returned to running but on a modified program as he builds up his loads.
But the three-club player has opted to view his frustrating injury woes in a positive light, expressing the opportunity he's had to "expand" into other ventures of his life.
"This rehab in particular I've tried to expand myself," Mitchell said.
"There's been so many positives come from (the injury). I've had other opportunities come. I've done some footy with Channel 7. Doing more podcasting with what we're doing with Ball Magnets. Working with young guys at the footy club. I've got more time now to really focus on others.
"I actually did the oppo (preview against Carlton). Helping Nathan Murphy out.
"So, trying to be selfless in that regard and give back through what I've been given.
"Looking for the opportunities is a good one. That's how I've grown."
