Family matters – good and tragic – have given Brett Deledio perspective in the wake of his latest injury setback.
The GIANTS star hopes to return in round 17 against his old club Richmond after suffering another calf muscle injury.
Persistent calf and Achilles injuries last year meant he played only seven games after moving from the Tigers.
He was buoyed after showing strong form in the opening six rounds this season, but then a hamstring injury and the current calf problem in his left leg stopped Deledio in his tracks.
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While Deledio says this latest setback initially flattened him, his children are a constant reminder of what is important.
Earlier this month, Deledio and his family also went through the death of a nephew.
"I haven't had a lot of time to think about it ... we had quite a few things going on in the family," he told Fox Footy.
"You certainly do stress about these sorts of things, but you walk in the door and your kids give you a huge smile.
"You
Immediately after the calf injury, Deledio's daughter was a great help.
"It really knocked me about a bit, but I got a cuddle from my little girl and she told me everything was going to be alright - because I was a bit upset about it at the time," he said.
"She certainly put a smile on my face.
"All things considered, with what my family has been through in the last six months, it's not too bad to just have a little calf injury.
"I'm just very grateful my family is healthy and we're living and breathing, enjoying every day."
Deledio said this latest injury also took him by surprise because he had done a lot of work on his fitness over the off-season and he was back playing solid football.
But he never considered retirement.
"It never crossed my mind. I still have another contract for next year, so I'm going to give it absolutely everything to make sure I'm ready and raring to go if Leon (coach Leon Cameron) needs me," he said.
Deledio is also bullish about the GIANTS' chances this season as they return from the bye for Saturday's away match against Brisbane.
The GIANTS have won its last two games and are half a game outside the top eight, with several frontline players set to return and ease their heavy injury toll.
"If we can get everyone humming
