Western Bulldogs draftee Nathan Hrovat has been impressed by the tailored approach to his rehabilitation program at Whitten Oval, after enduring a slight quad strain during training a fortnight ago.

The 2012 Northern Knights captain has been working closely with medical staff to fast track his recovery and get his body right for the trail end of the NAB Cup.

“I did a bit of a soft tissue slight strain on my quad, which isn’t too bad… but I have been in rehab [for the] last two weeks now,” Hrovat said.

“The approach has been a lot different… than what I am used to – obviously I am doing a lot more [of] like that pilates core extra work now.

“It’s been difficult seeing the boys out there training but yeah… itching to get back out there.”

The level of medical supervision during his rehabilitation has provided comfort for the 18-year-old, as he strives to overcome the quad injury and rejoin the main training group.

“At TAC your rehab program, you probably have the rehab guy and that is your first port of call and there are probably 15 other blokes in there the same,” he said.

“Here you are … looked after a bit more with a particular person, so I am working very closely with [Physiotherapist] Alicia Tang and [Medical Services Manager] Drew McKenzie to get my quad back up to standard.

“I am watched really closely by them [medical staff] and a program has been set and working with some cross training."

After spending the pre-season building his fitness base and increasing his training workload, draftee Nathan Hrovat is more eager than ever to get his first taste of senior AFL.

“You just train so hard for that... 12 week block over pre-season that you’re just itching to get out there and play against some opposition,” he said.