Jack Buckley has opened up on his emotional return to the AFL 623 days after his tearing ACL.
Speaking to Daniel Harford on RSN’s ‘Breakfast with Harf’, Buckley likened his playing return to a second debut.
“It kind of felt like my debut again in the sense of how excited I was,” Buckley said.
Initially named as an emergency, the 24-year-old was a late inclusion for Leek Aleer in the GIANTS’ side and didn't look out of place in his return as the GIANTS recorded a thrilling 16-point win over Adelaide at GIANTS Stadium.
“It was just such an exciting moment,” he said.
“I knew I was ready; I’d put in a lot of work to get back.”
Returning alongside Buckley was GIANTS small forward Brent Daniels, who himself spent 590 days sidelined.
Jack Buckley and Brent Daniels have spent a combined 1,213 days sidelined…
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) March 19, 2023
Today they return together 🧡 #BigBigSound pic.twitter.com/EgG9aeIANY
“After that game we shared a moment and reflected on the win,” Buckley said.
“It was great to both be a part of it again and contribute to a club we both have a lot of love for.”
