Brent Staker has certainly been tested physically during his rehabilitation from two knee reconstructions, but says the recovery process has been just as challenging for him mentally.  

It’s been a touch over two years since Staker first ruptured his ACL against Fremantle in Round One of 2011.

Since then, he has suffered further setbacks that have limited him to playing in just six of the Club’s past 44 matches.

The most recent was a minor clean-up after his knee flared up towards the end of pre-season training.

Staker was poised to make his much anticipated return during the NAB Cup, but instead ended up watching the team’s pre-season triumph from the sidelines.

"It's been a frustrating time," Staker told The Courier Mail on Wednesday.

"I hadn't missed a session all pre-season and the left knee just flared up out of the blue.”

"I had a bit of a flat spot after the boys won the NAB Cup and were heading into Round 1. I kept to myself a little that week because when you are not playing, it can be difficult. You don't have any real input.”

"Watching the boys lose is always the hardest thing though. You'd love to be out there trying to get the win but you feel a bit helpless.”

"Hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back out there. It's certainly been a long wait."

Staker is still listed as being 3-4 weeks from returning, but hopes to gain some valuable match practice with the Lions Reserves in the next couple of weeks.

A senior call-up in time to face his former side, the West Coast Eagles, in Round 7 at the Gabba is a distinct possibility.