Twelve months can be a long time in football, just ask Sam Naismith.

The emerging ruckman has been through his fair share, injury wise, during that time.

After finishing season 2014 on a high note, making his senior debut against Richmond in Round 23, the 23-year-old has endured a frustrating run which included a bout of glandular fever and groin problems.

As a result the 206cm 104kg ruckman missed more weeks than played (eight games at NEAFL level) last season.

Promisingly,  the big man from Gunnedah is confident those issues are now behind him as he sets his sights on this month's NAB Challenge of which Naismith hasn't ruled out playing in.

He re-joined training on Friday and, barring any mishap from this point onward, could have an impact in the early part of the season.

"Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, I can put my case forward," Naismith said from the Swans' pre-season training camp in Coffs Harbour.

"If I work hard, train well, run out training sessions and knock them off back-to-back then anything's possible from there."

The conservative approach has seen Naismith become "fitter and stronger" than the same time a year ago.

All those hours in rehab and tentative paces around the SCG last year and Lakeside Oval this pre-season will, he assured SwansTV, pay off in the coming weeks.

"I'm a lot more equipped for this season," he added.

"I feel a lot stronger, a lot fitter. I've been running with Zak Jones so I've got that conditioning base well and truly underway."

It hasn't all been dire for Naismith who in September signed a new three-year deal, giving the recovering key time to focus on getting his body right for what's hopefully a strong season on-field.

In an already big month ahead, Naismith is also committing to Feb Fast by quitting alcohol and sugar for the entire month of February.

For more info and/or to donate, visit Naismith's Feb Fast web page.