West Coast premiership midfielder Elliot Yeo has revealed he struggled to walk at times last year as he battled a toe injury, but is confident he'll hit the ground running this season.
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Yeo played a key role in West Coast's premiership campaign in 2018, with his star performances through the midfield earning widespread praise.
But the 25-year-old was often left hobbled after games because of a lingering toe injury.
Yeo underwent surgery on the toe during the off-season, and is confident he will be fit for round one.
"It was pretty painful," Yeo said of the toe injury.
"Earlier in the week it would be pretty tough to walk around.
"I guess it was one of those things where post game it was really sore, and it took a couple of days and some really light training throughout the week to get through it.
"It was one of those things that needed a bit of time (to heal), and that's hard to get during the middle of the season."
Yeo is only just building back into full training duties now.
But he's confident his delayed pre-season won't leave him short of fitness heading into the start of the season.
Yeo endured a similar delay to his 2018 campaign because of a hip issue.
"That gives me confidence this time around - not to stress," Yeo said.
"I have plenty of faith and trust in the strength and conditioning group. I have plenty of confidence going into the season that ... I'll be ready to go."
Yeo is keen to take on more of a leadership role this year to held guide the club's younger players.
"I feel that's probably the next step in my football," Yeo said.
"Trying to help the next generation of players coming through, and impart my wisdom and some of my key things that help me in games that other players can take."
Australian Associated Press
