It has been a frustrating start to Tony Armstrong’s time at the Sydney Swans.

An iliotibial band (ITB) release followed by a quad injury has restricted him to rehab work since late last year, meaning the pacey defender had been unable to participate in any ball work this pre-season.

However, today saw the 22-year old make steps towards a return to full training by competing in a 20-minute skills session out on Lakeside Oval.  

Speaking to SwansTV before hitting the track this afternoon, Armstrong said it had been a trying time for him since making the move across from Adelaide in last year’s Trade Week, but he was now looking forward to making the transition from spectator to participant in training.

“It’s been pretty frustrating, especially coming to a new club and just wanting to get out on the track and impress,” he said.

“I’m actually really nervous (about joining his teammates in training). But I’m super excited, because you’re running laps around the oval and watching them kick and you can’t join in.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there and having a kick with the boys for the first time.” 

While it hasn’t been the ideal start to Armstrong’s return to New South Wales, he says the injury setback has allowed him to focus on improving his fitness base, which he hopes to reap the benefits of as the season progresses.

“I’ve just done a power of running over the pre-season … so I’d like to think I’m as fit as I have been,” Armstrong said.

“It’s been good as well; I’ve worked on my mental strength down in rehab.

“Now I just want to aim to get back as soon as I can, and then by the end of the year I just really want to have a spot cemented for myself in the first 18.”