2014 NAB AFL Rising Star Lewy Taylor is champing at the bit to join his Brisbane Lions teammates out on the training track, but is currently consigned to modified duties as he overcomes knee tendonitis.

“I’ve had a delayed start. I’m having a bit of tendon trouble at the moment, but it’s on the mend,” Taylor told lions.com.au.

“I’ve started running, so am not far away (from joining the main group).

“I’ve been doing a bit of swimming here and there. I’m not the greatest swimmer, but it’s good to keep the fitness up.”

Although he’d much rather be with the bulk of his teammates, Taylor is no stranger to spending time on the sidelines over summer.

The 19-year-old spent most of his first pre-season recovering from a foot injury, but remarkably went on to make his senior debut in Round 1 and was one of only four Lions players to play all 22 senior matches in 2014.

Taylor’s standout first season culminated in him being crowned the AFL’s Rising Star.

But the knockabout country lad said he won’t be burdened by any additional weight of expectation from the AFL community in 2015.

“It doesn’t faze me too much. I’m just keen to get out on the track and start running with the group,” he said.

“I’m keen get my fitness levels up so that I can maybe spend some more time in the midfield in 2015.”

Taylor also expressed his excitement following the off-season acquisitions of Dayne Beams (from Collingwood), Allen Christensen (from Geelong), and Mitch Robinson (from Carlton), all of whom he feels can have an immediate impact on the team.

“They’re all good fellas. There are some great names there and they’ll help our line-up that’s for sure.”